Our Lady of the Forsaken (“Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados”)

Nuestra Señora de los desamparados or Our Lady of the Forsaken, Patron Saint of Valencia - Spain.

The Legend goes that in 15th century 3 young men dressed as pilgrims arrived to a Valencian hospital. The hospital looked after the mentally ill (hence "the forsaken"). A friar who greeted the pilgrims had a blind wife. The men offered to build an image of the Virgin in exchange for food and shelter and stayed in a room for four days. Not hearing a sound, the friars broke the door in and saw that the image of the Virgin had been constructed and the men vanished. At the same moment the woman's blindness was cured. Since then it is believed that the three men were angels, and various Spanish artists who were inspired by the image commented on the supernatural element in the statue.

History of Our Lady of the Abandoned

In 15th century, a religious brotherhood was founded in Valencia, Spain to care for and minister to the needs of forsaken children in supplication to Our Lady of the Abandoned Ones. However, it remained wanting of an image with which to begin its veneration and devotion.

One day three young boys came knocking on its door seeking shelter. They were allowed to stay and these boys offered to carve the image needed in gratitude for the asylum. They were provided with a large slab of wood and sculpting tools. They asked that they be left in silence and undisturbed for three days to finish the task.

The youth locked themselves up in the room for three days and after that time, the children still did not come out. The brothers decided to force open the door but the boys where nowhere to be found. Instead, at the center of the room, a majestic, protective and beautifully carved image of Our Lady greeted them. This mystery was soon followed by countless miracles attributed to the workings of this holy handiwork. In 1885, Our Lady of the Abandoned Ones was proclaimed Patroness of Valencia.

In the 1700's, Fr. Vicente Ingles, a Spanish friar went to Valencia and brought home to the Philippines a replica of the image. The image has since been venerated in Sta. Ana, Manila for 300 years.

In the 1700's, Fr. Vicente Ingles, a Spanish friar went to Valencia and brought home to the Philippines a replica of the image. The image has since been venerated in Sta. Ana, Manila for 300 years.

Our Lady of the Abandoned became the Patroness of Hulo, Mandaluyong through the suggestion of the Catholic Chinese residents who always visit the Shrine of Our Lady in Sta. Ana. She is the refuge of the unloved and the rejected. Many prayers have been answered through her powerful intercession.

 A saying of St. Bonaventure that is linked to the devotion to Our Lady of the Abandoned Ones:

“When all human help fails, it is imperative that we not despair. For normally in this extreme situation, the divine help of Mary comes.”

That is, when man is completely abandoned, it is necessary to have hope, because this is the moment that Our Lady will give her assistance.

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Fr. Jofre arriving at his church for Mass was horrified to find a violent mob in the act of hanging a mentally deranged man.  He established a chapel to aid such unfortunates. Eventually an order of priests and nuns were established to minister to them.

I remember Elie Wiesel's comment..."They are more defenseless than the poor"...which should elicit great mercy and compassion.

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Our Lady of the Forsaken (“Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados”) by Tomás Yepes.(As patroness she is pictured on my blog in the side bar-->)

Painted in 1644, Yepes recreated in minute detail the way the statue of the Virgin appeared, with all of its many adornments and votive offerings.The painting falls under the category trampantojos del divino, meaning “divine trompe l’oeil.”

For me it is the Divine Healer forever leaping out of the frames within which we constantly attempt to constrict Him.  I love that about Jesus--He doesn't like to be stuck in boxes either.