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The Virgin of Izamal is revered throughout the Yucatan for her strength and her fondness for the people. There are many miracles associated with her. According to a Izamal resident, even the Virgin's presence in the town is a miracle...
In the 16th century two identical Virgins were made in Guatemala. One was sent to Merida and the other to Izamal. However, the one in Izamal was burned in a fire and the one from Merida was brought to replace her. So the Merida Virgin in all her splendor and beauty then resided in the church, and in the hearts of the people of Izamal. However, at that time the town of Valladolid was a more powerful city. The elite of Valladolid decided that the Virgin should be moved to their city. In the process of moving the Virgin, her weight increased until twenty men were no longer able to carry her. The unsuccessful transporters had no choice but to call the local townspeople for help. When the people from Izamal came they were able to lift her and they returned her to their church. For the people of Izamal this symbolizes the Virgin's desire to stay in the city.In addition to this miracle story, many others remain untold in the church. Surrounding images of the Virgin Mary hang many kexitos. These consist of a small figure or trinket on a three or four inch loop of colored yarn. People present them to the Virgin of Izamal as a promesa (promise) or thanks giving. Many photos also surround images of the Virgin. These photos most likely represent many small miracles: people who were sick and got better, people who were at a hard place in their lives and found strength through the Lady of Izamal. We also noticed many wedding bouquets representing both a thanks giving and a request for a strong happy marriage.
The Virgin appeared before an indigenous man on four separate occasions. On one of these occasions she asked the peasant to build a house for her. Since he was very poor, he went to the Archbishop and requested to have the house built. Because of his low position in society, he was not believed. Therefore when the man again saw the Virgin, he asked her to appear before the Archbishop. She refused, stating that he was the chosen one. He was then instructed to pick roses and bring them to the archbishop. Roses did not grow in that area and it was December, too cold for them to grow anywhere. Therefore, the peasant doubted that he would be able to find any. Miraculously, he discovered enough roses to fill his cloak, and off to the church he went. When he opened his cloak before the Archbishop to reveal the flowers the image of the Virgin appeared. The same cloak still exists in Mexico City with the image of the Virgin imprinted on it. Many Mexicans honor the Virgin because she chose to appear to them. They say that she is the mother of the indigenous people because of her dark coloring.According to the Yucatecan woman the cloak has been studied by NASA and in the eyes of the Virgin one can see the reflection of the Archbishop and the indigenous people. Today the roses still grow in that part of Mexico all year round.
