Our Lady Virgin of Lluc
The Virgin of Lluc, also known as the “Moreneta” or Mare de Déu de Lluc, is the patron saint of Mallorca and its diocese. Her sanctuary in the Serra de Tramuntana is an important religious and cultural centre for the island.
Origins and legend of the Virgin of Lluc
Legend has it that in the 13th century, shortly after the conquest of Mallorca, a shepherd boy named Lluc found a small image of the Virgin Mary on top of a small mound among the rocks while shepherding sheep on the mountain. Intrigued, he took the image to the village church, but the next day, the figure had disappeared and was found again in its original place. This event was repeated several times, convincing everyone that it was the will of the Virgin to remain in that place known as “Pujol de la Trobada”. For this reason, a chapel was built in her honour, which in time became a small hermitage and later, in the 17th century, expanded and became the current Renaissance-style Lluc Sanctuary and Monastery.
The Virgin of Lluc: A Marian invocation
A Marian invocation is a way of referring to the Virgin Mary, highlighting a particular aspect of her person, her life, or an event related to her. It is a way of honouring her through different titles, based on mysteries, apparitions, gifts, or Marian attributes. The Virgin of Lluc, known as “La Moreneta”, is a Marian devotion of great importance in Mallorca.
Faith and devotion to the Virgin of Lluc, a spiritual symbol
The Virgin of Lluc is a very important religious and cultural symbol for Mallorcans because it represents their spiritual heritage and faith. Although the Immaculate Conception is the historical patron saint of Mallorca, the Virgin of Lluc has been popularly recognised as the patron saint of the island. In short, the figure of the Virgin of Lluc is intrinsically linked to Mallorcan traditions and customs, being an integral part of its cultural heritage.
Numerous miracles and favours are attributed to the Virgin of Lluc (Our Lady of Lluc) or La Moreneta, which has contributed to her great devotion. This deep popular devotion leads to numerous pilgrimages and festivities in her honour, especially on 12 September.
Additional information on the Virgin of Lluc
The Virgin of Lluc is a small carved stone statue approximately 61 centimetres high with a dark complexion, hence her name “La Moreneta”. The statue represents a dark-skinned Virgin with the Child Jesus in her arms. She is a symbol of faith and devotion for Mallorcans, and the Lluc Monastery is a spiritual and cultural meeting place. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on 12 September.
She was canonically crowned in 1883, being one of the first Marian images in Spain to receive this honour. The name Lluc comes from the Latin “lucus”, which means sacred forest. In the ancient Roman religion, a “lucus” was a forest considered sacred and used for religious rituals.
Our Lady of Lluc, much more than a religious image
The Virgin of Lluc, also known as “La Moreneta”, is the patron saint of Mallorca and of the Diocese of Mallorca. She is venerated in the Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Lluc, located in the Serra de Tramuntana. Tradition has it that the image was found by a shepherd in the 13th century and has been the object of great devotion ever since.
In short, the Virgin of Lluc is much more than a religious image; it is a symbol of Mallorcan identity, a place of pilgrimage, a cultural-historical treasure, and a meeting point for faith and natural beauty. The Virgin of Lluc is, in itself, a sacred symbol of Mallorcan identity and culture.
By the way, are you coming to Mallorca on a tourism trip? If you find it helpful, you can also consult our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island.
