Trip Journey. National Sanctuary Of Our Lady Of Coromoto
The National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Coromoto is a minor Basilica located about 25 kilometers from Guanare city, in the Portuguesa state. The sanctuary was erected at the site of the second apparition of the Virgin to the Indian Coromoto and is dedicated to the renowned patroness of Venezuela.
The temple was inaugurated in February 1996 by Pope John Paul II, with an attendance of more than two million pilgrims from different parts of the country. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI elevated it to the dignity of a minor Basilica. The huge building can take more than 2,500 visitors and is almost the same size as St. Peter's Basilica.
The Basilica has a viewpoint which can be reached through an elevator or by stairs. From there we can see the immense plains of the Portuguesa and Barinas states, as well as part of the Andes Mountains.
Inside the Basilica we can find the main altar in the center and 2 other side altars. Behind the main altar there is the Throne of the Virgin where we can see, materialized on a stamp, the venerated image of Virgin Mary, that appeared to the Indian Coromoto, the chief of the local tribe in 1652. On the right side we can see the scene of the Virgin with the Indian Coromoto and an image of the Virgin made of bronze, while in the left side there is the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.
Under the Basilica we can locate the Museum of the Virgin of Coromoto and an exhibition of the clothing that Pope John Paul II wore during his visit.
Awesome journey out there!