The devotion’s roots go back to a Sanctuary in Salamanca, Spain, and begins with a Frenchman named Simon.
In Paris, France, Simon was deeply praying when he fell asleep. He then heard a voice telling him to go to Pena de Francia where he would find an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary that was buried in the mountain.
Simon Vela Rolan was a pious man, one who was born into a wealthy family but had denounced all worldly wealth and instead chose to live a holy life,
After years of searching, with the guidance provided to him through visions and dreams, he finally found the image in a cave in the mountains of Peña de Francia, in Salamanca, Spain in the year 1434. Like Fr. Miguel, Simon’s journey to find the image was attended by miraculous healing.
A Divine Calling
Simón Vela, born in France in 1384, was a devout Christian who felt a profound calling to serve God. Despite his comfortable life and wealthy background, he chose to renounce his inheritance and dedicate himself to a life of piety and service. His journey began with a series of divine visions and voices that urged him to seek out a hidden image of the Virgin Mary in the mountains of Peña de Francia, Spain1.
The Journey to Peña de Francia
Guided by these divine messages, Simón embarked on a challenging journey that spanned several years. He traveled across France and Spain, enduring hardships and uncertainties, driven by his unwavering faith. The journey was not just a physical trek but also a spiritual quest, testing his resolve and deepening his devotion2.
The Discovery
On May 19, 1434, after years of searching, Simón Vela arrived at the mountains of Peña de Francia. There, he encountered a group of local men who assisted him in his quest. Following the directions given in his visions, they began to dig at a specific spot. To their astonishment, they unearthed a hidden image of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus. This image had been concealed centuries earlier to protect it from the Moors who were invading Spain3.
Miracles and Devotion
The discovery of the image was immediately followed by miraculous events. People who visited the site reported miraculous healings and divine interventions. These miracles quickly spread, attracting pilgrims from far and wide. Simón Vela, recognizing the significance of the discovery, built a small chapel to house the sacred image. This humble chapel soon became a major pilgrimage site, drawing countless devotees seeking the intercession of the Virgin of Peña de Francia4.
Legacy and Impact
The impact of Simón Vela’s discovery extends far beyond the initial miracles. The devotion to Our Lady of Peña de Francia grew rapidly, leading to the construction of a larger church and convent on the site. With the blessing of King Juan II of Spain and Pope Martin V, the sanctuary became a significant religious center, administered by the Dominicans1.
Today, the image of Our Lady of Peña de Francia is enshrined at the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia, located at the highest peak of the Sierra de Francia in El Cabaco, Salamanca, Spain. The devotion has also spread globally, with numerous churches and communities dedicated to Our Lady of Peña de Francia, including the famous Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City, Philippines2.
Conclusion
The story of Simón Vela and the discovery of the Virgin of Peña de Francia is a powerful testament to the strength of faith and the miraculous ways in which divine guidance can manifest. It serves as an enduring inspiration for believers, reminding them of the profound impact of devotion and the timeless presence of the divine in their lives.
1: Archdiocese of Caceres 2: Wikipedia 3: Catholic Shrine Basilica 4: Our Lady of Peñafrancia Boston
Last updated on August 18th, 2024 at 08:52 am
