Montserrat

A heavenly city built amongst the clouds; Intriguing, Inspirational and breathtaking are words often associated with one of Spain’s most popular pilgrimage destinations. Located on a rugged mountain range not far from the Catalan Capital of Barcelona is the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat. Located near the top of the 4000 ft mountain is the Monastery of Montserrat and home to a community of Benedictine monks who have made this Holy Rock their home for almost a thousand years.

 

Popes, clergy, laypeople and numerous saints, including St Ignatius Loyola, have all been making personal pilgrimages to this beautiful shrine since the 12th century to venerate the miraculous statue of the Black Madonna.

According to Catalan tradition, the statue of the Black Virgin of Montserrat was carved by St. Luke around 50 AD and brought to Spain. During numerous invasions from the Moors, the statue was hidden for safety in a cave (Santa Cova) in the mountain, where it was rediscovered in 880 AD. The Madonna statue soon earned widespread fame as numerous miracles were associated with the intercession of the Black Virgin of Montserrat.

Due to the great numbers of pilgrims that flocked to Montserrat throughout the Middle Ages, the monastery was enlarged from its original humble size. In 1592, the grand basilica of Montserrat was consecrated and became the new home for the Madonna and Infant.

In 1881, Montserrat’s Black Madonna was crowned in accordance with Canon Law and proclaimed patron saint of Catalonia by Pope Leo XIII.

Please visit our friend’s website for more information and pictures of Montserrat –www.abadiamontserrat.net.