Capilla Medalla Milagrosa

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  • Address
    cnr 7a Av Norte & 4a Calle Pte, town center

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Lonely Planet review

Built in 1904 by an order of French nuns and modeled after their church in Paris, the small Gothic-style Capilla Medalla Milagrosa is one of San Miguel's best attractions. It's a sublime place, set in the middle of large tree-filled grounds, with a high arched ceiling (painted baby blue) and famously gorgeous stained windows.

The altar is populated with flowers and statues of saints, most prominently the Virgin Mary, who has a neon crown and displays the words - also in neon - María, concebida sin pecado, rogad por nos que recurrimos a vos (Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee). The saying comes from the namesake 'Miraculous Medal,' which was forged in 1830 after Mary twice appeared to a young French nun named Catherine Laboure. The medal and innumerable replicas have been credited with many miracles, and helped foment (along with other apparitions) the intense worship of 'la Virgin' so common today, especially in Latin America where she nearly overshadows Jesus. Small quiet masses are held at on Sundays.