Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the country of Chile:
In 1592 the Augustinians who came with the Spaniards spread the Catholic faith and the devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The first lay organization dedicated to Mary under this title was created in Chile in 1648.
In 1818 Chile’s civil, military and religious authorities gathered in the cathedral to once again entrust themselves to Mary’s protection. Shortly after, they won the battle of Maipu, the battle that sealed Chile’s independence from Spain.
Decades later Chilean troops fighting against Peru and Bolivia for the Atacama desert all wore the Scapular of Mount Carmel to protect them in battle. Chile won control of the desert and extended its coastline. After the war, General Manuel Baquedano placed his sword in the hands of the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel saying, “we owe her all our triumphs.”
About the Shrine of Maipu:
The national marian shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel The shrine was originally erected in 1818 in thanksgiving for the Chilean victory which won them independence from Spain.
Traveling to the Shrine of Maipu:
Address: Carmen esq. 5 de Abril, Maipú, Maipú, METROPOLITANA DE SANTIAGO
Tel: +56 53 12312
