Dominicans’ protective mother honored by cathedral

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The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson on Jan. 21 celebrated la Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia (or the Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia), considered the protective mother of the Dominican people.

Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and Bishop Santiago Rodriguez Rodriguez of the San Pedro de Macoris Diocese in the Dominican Republic co-celebrated the Mass, concelebrated by St. John’s priests. Many churchgoers held Dominican flags.

The cathedral’s altar displayed an image of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia. The original portrait of the Virgin Mary was painted in the 16th century and kept in the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in the city of Salaleon de Huguey.

On Jan. 21, 1691, the Spanish army, led by Antonio Miniel, defeated the French army during the Battle of the Sabana Real in the eastern part of the island of Santo Domingo. It is believed that the Spanish asked Our Lady of Altagracia to help them win the battle.

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
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