Our Lady of the Highest Grace- Nuestra Senora de Altagracia

The History of Our Lady of the Highest Grace

Patroness of the Dominican Republic

Legend says that the pious daughter of a rich merchant asked him to bring her back a portrait of Nuestra Senora de Altagracia from Santo Domingo, but no one had heard of any such image with the title. The merchant, staying overnight at a friend's house in Higuey, described his problem as they ate dinner. An older man with a white beard who had been listening to the conversation approached the merchant, and, unrolling a painting from his bundle, announced "This is the painting you are looking for, Our Lady of the Highest Grace." The merchant was stunned. They let the man stay with them overnight, but at dawn when they went to check on him, he was gone. The merchant's daughter was very pleased when she recieved the painting she asked for. The 16th century painting shows the Blessed Virgin at the Nativity, adoring her infant son lying on a pallet of straw. St. Joseph is on Our Lady's right, sheltering the flame of a candle, symbolic of his role of sheltering the Holy Family. The Star of Bethlehem shines brightly on Mary's left. The miraculous painting is now venerated in the grand Basilica in Higuey, Dominican Republic. Pope John Paul II graced the shrine with his presence on January 25, 1979, when he placed a gold & silver tiara on Our Lady's head. Her feast day is January 21, and on this day there are all-night vigils, masses, singing, dancing, and festivals.

For more information on the Patroness of the Domincan Republic, visit http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/mary0029.htm, or read the beautiful book "The Other Faces of Mary" by Ann Ball.