The Month of Mary in Chile

This is one of the most popular devotions in the country. It has its origin in 1850 when Joaquín Larraín Gandarillas, later auxiliary bishop of Santiago and first rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, directed the Pontifical Seminary of Santiago.

Larrain probably knew this devotion in Europe and brought it to Chile, but changed the date of its celebration, leaving it from November 8 to December 8, with the same current structure. The priest placed this month as a preparation for the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, by Pope Pius IX, on December 8, 1854. It is possible, however, that there were Marian celebrations before that date, in the Hispanic evangelization, since the devotion to Mary is present since the arrival of the conquerors. This new custom was quickly imposed throughout the country and became massive, deeply rooted.