Today, 15 September, is the liturgical feast of Our Lady of Pity, the title given to the image of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, holding in her arms her dead Son, just come down from the cross. It refers to a very specific moment of pain and suffering, whose image is inspired by Michelangelo’s famous “Pieta” and by Our Lady of Sorrows.
The oldest known representation of Our Lady of Mercy can be found in Portugal, more precisely in one of the chapels of the Sé cloister, in Lisbon. This image, painted on wood, belonged to a very old brotherhood.
In the Azores there are some churches and hermitages dedicated to Our Lady of Piety, such as:
-Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, in Arrifes and Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, in Ponta Garça, both on the island of São Miguel.
-Nossa Senhora da Piedade Church, in Santo Espírito, on the island of Santa Maria.
-Nossa Senhora da Piedade Church, in Velas, São Jorge island.
-Nossa Senhora da Piedade Church, in the parish of Piedade, Lajes do Pico island; Nossa Senhora da Piedade Chapel, in the parish of Prainha, São Roque do Pico island.
Do you know of any other shrines to Our Lady of Piety? If so, leave it in the comments!
Last modified: 16 de September, 2022
