In the sector known as La Ermita, in the town of Ospino, a procession and Mass were held at the Sanctuary of the Apparition of Our Lady of Corteza, on the occasion of the 247th anniversary of the visit of Don Mariano Martí (1720-1793), bishop of Caracas and Venezuela, to the place where, according to tradition, the Virgin appeared. That visit by the prelate aimed to build a temple on the site, which today houses the sanctuary.
The day coincided with ‘family embrace Sunday,’ an initiative that seeks to strengthen community and spiritual ties. The faithful, both residents and visitors, accompanied the image of Our Lady of Corteza in procession, walking through the streets adjacent to the sanctuary. Subsequently, the Eucharist was celebrated, presided over by Monsignor Owaldo Araque, bishop of the Diocese of Guanare.
Authorities present and rehabilitation works
The mayor of Ospino, Yongeiby Yépez, attended the event with his family, councilors, and members of his government team. During the celebration, the mayor highlighted the comprehensive rehabilitation works carried out in the temple, which included waterproofing, weeding, maintenance, ornamentation, and painting. ‘The work will continue. What was done is the beginning of an improvement of this sacred space, which now shows a new facade,’ Yépez stated, according to a press release from the Ospino Mayor’s Office.
The Sanctuary of the Apparition of Our Lady of Corteza is a spiritual landmark in the region, and these improvements seek to preserve its historical and religious value for future generations. The local Catholic community expressed gratitude for the works and for the opportunity to renew their faith in an atmosphere of recollection and family unity.
Original source: portuguesareporta.com (published on November 9, 2025)
