An initiative of the Mary of Nazareth Association September 11 – Our Lady of Coromoto (Venezuela) The Virgin appeared to the cacique, who tried to kill her At the end of the 16th century, the work of evangelization of the Franciscans and Dominicans produced lots of fruits in Venezuela. However, the tribal chief ("cacique") of the Coromotos tribe, resisted the new religion. Having been brought alongside colonization, Christianity seemed intermingled with it. The cacique could not distinguish the difference between the two. In 1651, he had a vision of a beautiful woman who invited him to be baptized, but he resisted the offer. In his jungle he was completely independent and had authority; if he were baptized, he would be indebted and subservient to the Spanish conquistadors. The Virgin appeared to him a second time. Furious, this time the cacique tried to kill her. But the apparition disappeared, leaving a little scroll in his hand. It was a 22x27mm image representing the Madonna and Child. The Child Jesus holds a globe in his left hand and blesses with his right hand. It took some time before the cacique was able to convert. In fact, it was not until a near fatal incident, where he was bitten by a snake, prompted him to call for help and ask for baptism. Thereafter, the cacique became an enthusiastic apostle of the Virgin Mary. On October 7, 1944, Pope Pius XII declared Our Lady of Coromoto the patroness of Venezuela. The Mary of Nazareth Team Coromoto (Guanare) Let’s pray together Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.