Paraguayan in Barcelona Donates Virgin Mary Image to Caacupé Basilica

Petrona Quiñónez Flor, a Paraguayan expatriate who has lived in Barcelona, Spain, for over 50 years, returned to her homeland to fulfill a deeply cherished wish: donating an image of the Virgin of the Mercedes to the Basilica Sanctuary of Caacupé.

With profound emotion, Quiñónez Flor, a fervent devotee, expressed her joy at being back in Paraguay and presenting the gift to the country's principal Marian temple. She noted that a significant Paraguayan community in Barcelona maintains its faith and traditions despite the distance, with devotion to the Virgin of Caacupé offering spiritual solace.

The image of the Virgin of the Mercedes, a figure associated with aiding the afflicted and granting freedom, was gifted as a symbol of faith, hope, and consolation. Bishop Ricardo Valenzuela of the Diocese of Caacupé gratefully accepted the donation, which will be added to the basilica's museum for pilgrims to admire.

Quiñónez Flor credited Father Fermín Delgado, rector of the Basilica of Mercy in Barcelona, for his support in making this meaningful donation possible. She stated that her prayer is for faith to continue strengthening Paraguayans, wherever they may be, and that the donation serves to keep her bond with her country, traditions, and lifelong Marian devotion alive.

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It is a dream come true to bring this image to my land and leave it with the Virgin of Caacupé. My prayer is that faith continues to strengthen Paraguayans, wherever they may be.