On Sunday, January 5, on the eve of Three Kings’ Night, dozens of residents of Chivilcoy began to gather around a tree located on Belgrano Street, near Plaza 25 de Mayo. The reason was a rumor that quickly spread: on the tree trunk, an image had formed that many identified as Our Lady of Guadalupe. “The mantle and the arms in a praying position are clearly visible,” a witness told local media.
Concentration of faithful and signs of devotion
During the early morning and the first hours of Monday, a large number of people gathered in front of the tree. Some remained silent, others prayed, gave thanks, or filmed with their cell phones what they interpreted as the silhouette of the Virgin. Even a devotee placed a crown of roses at the base of the trunk, as a gesture of spontaneous veneration.
Testimonies and reflections from neighbors
In an interview with local media La Razón, several attendees shared their impressions. A nurse pointed out that the image could be a call to collective reflection and the need to “come together again as brothers,” especially given the current situation in Latin America. It is worth remembering that throughout history, Marian apparitions have been recorded in times of social or political tension.
Another neighbor, a devotee of Our Lady of Guadalupe, highlighted that this advocation is recognized as “protector of children.” She recounted a personal experience: she prayed intensely when one of her grandchildren was hospitalized and considered that the image could be a message of care and protection for the little ones. Meanwhile, a man emphasized the mantle visible in the figure and its connection with nature, interpreting the event as an invitation to greater environmental awareness.
Meaning of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most important Marian advocations in Latin America. Her image dates back to the apparitions of 1531 in Mexico, when, according to tradition, she appeared on the tilma or cloak of Saint Juan Diego, a native American. Since then, she has become a symbol of faith and unity among peoples and cultures. In her representation, the starry mantle symbolizes the sky; the pink tunic, the dawn of a new era; the moon, fertility and life; and the angel at her feet, the union between heaven and earth.
Original source: www.sudoesteba.com (published January 7, 2026)
Photo: Edgar Henríquez, LC on Unsplash
