Our Lady of Mount Carmel of Cuyo: the history and prayer for her help

Every September 8, Argentina honors Our Lady of Mount Carmel of Cuyo, a Marian devotion whose strongest roots lie in Mendoza. Her prominence grew through José de San Martín, who expressed his devotion in 1814 and asked for her support in his future battles for independence.

San Martín later named her General of the Army of the Andes. On January 5, 1817, he presented her with his command staff, an act many interpret as the beginning of her patronage of Argentina’s military. In 1818, she also received the staff of office from the liberator of America.

The devotion originated at Mount Carmel in Israel before spreading to Europe and then the Americas. In Mendoza, the image became notable in the 18th century after Pedro de Núñez donated it to the church of the Jesuit Fathers. Her association with Cuyo grew over time, linking her to Mendoza, San Juan and San Luis, as well as to San Martín’s liberation campaign and the bond between Argentina and Chile during the independence process.

Pope Pius X later decreed that the image venerated at the Church of San Francisco in Mendoza should be solemnly crowned with a gold crown. The ceremony took place on September 8, 1911, and the date became Mendoza province’s patronal festival.

Today, Our Lady of Mount Carmel of Cuyo is also regarded as patron of Mendoza’s schools and the VIII Mountain Brigade, patron of the Argentine Army, and protector of the Cuyo region. The article also reproduces a prayer asking her to shelter pilgrims, strengthen those carrying life’s burdens and guide the faithful toward Christ.

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May the Sacred Image of the Virgin Mary under the title of Mount Carmel, venerated in the Church of San Francisco in Mendoza, be solemnly crowned with a gold crown.