Our Lady of the Pillar is an ancient Marian title associated with Zaragoza, Spain, and the apostolic mission of St. James. Catholics ask Mary under this title to strengthen their faith and help them bear steady witness to Christ.
Begin PrayingMore about Our Lady of the Pillar
An ancient Christian tradition holds that the Blessed Virgin Mary encouraged the Apostle James while he was preaching in Roman Spain. According to the tradition, Mary appeared beside a pillar at Caesaraugusta, the present city of Zaragoza, while she was still living in the Holy Land. The tradition is devotional rather than a New Testament account, but it has shaped Catholic life in Spain for many centuries. The pillar came to signify Mary’s firmness in faith and her maternal support for the Church’s mission.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza preserves the revered image and column connected with this devotion. The feast is celebrated on October 12 and has special importance for Spanish-speaking Catholics. The title directs the faithful to Christ, whom Mary received in faith and gave to the world. This novena asks for her intercession so that prayer, courage, and fidelity can remain firm when Christian witness is difficult.
