The tradition of the town affirms that the passage of the Yaguarí stream was opened in half (similar to what happened in the biblical story of Moses) and the rebels began to retreat and disperse, leaving the town of Itatí safe, thanks to the intervention. of the Virgin. The people, upon witnessing the event, went to the Virgin in thanksgiving.
Today she is the patron saint of the province of Corrientes, and enjoys great popular devotion. The Basilica of Our Lady of Itatí, set up for its faithful, is one of the main Catholic pilgrimage centers in the country.
Why is the Virgin of Itatí so venerated?
Considered the queen of Paraná and queen of love, the Virgin of Itatí was proclaimed on April 23, 1918 as the patron saint and protector of the provinces of Corrientes and Misiones. She actually commemorates her religious holiday on July 9, however it was a day like today but 121 years ago that she was crowned by the highest figure of the Catholic Church, at that time Pope Leo XIII. She prays to him who wants blessings for the water but also for her bonds.
Prayer of the Virgin of Itatí
Most tender Mother of God and men
that, under the invocation of the Pure and Clean Conception
of Our Lady of Itatí,
you looked with eyes of mercy for more than four centuries
to all those who have implored you,
do not now reject the pleas of this your son,
who humbly turns to you.
Take care of my needs
that you know them better than me.
And above all, my mother,
grant me great love for your Divine Son Jesus,
and a pure, humble and prudent heart,
patience in life, strength in temptations
and comfort in death.
So be it.