by Marion Smith
The Holy Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia, Patroness of the Dominican people, was celebrated on Sunday, 25 January, at Nazareth House in Pretoria. The celebration gathered members of the Dominican community, friends and invited guests in a profound expression of faith, unity and Marian devotion.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by H.E. Monsignor Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa. The Mass was marked by reverence and spiritual joy, reflecting the deep devotion of the faithful to the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of Our Lady of Altagracia.
Also in attendance were various Heads of Mission and representatives of embassies accredited to Pretoria, whose presence underscored the significance of the occasion and highlighted the strong bonds of friendship, diplomacy and mutual respect among nations. Their participation added a dignified international dimension to the celebration.
Archbishop Henryk Jagodziński, Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa and Lesotho, as well as Namibia, Eswatini and Botswana, was appointed Titular Archbishop and raised to the episcopal rank by Pope Francis in 2020. As Apostolic Nuncio, he serves as the Holy Father’s official diplomatic representative, equivalent to an ambassador, tasked with fostering relations between the Holy See and governments, while also maintaining close pastoral ties with the local Catholic Church.
The celebration at Nazareth House was both a liturgical and cultural moment, offering Dominican nationals and the wider community an opportunity to honour their Patroness while strengthening bonds of faith and fellowship far from their homeland.
Our Lady of Altagracia: Patroness of the Dominican People
Devotion to Our Lady of Altagracia dates back to the early 16th century and is among the oldest Marian devotions in the Americas. The revered image, depicting the Nativity of Christ, is believed to have arrived on the island of Hispaniola, present day Dominican Republic, around 1510. According to tradition, the image was brought from Spain and later enshrined in Higüey, where it became the focal point of deep and enduring devotion.
The title Altagracia, meaning High Grace, reflects the belief in Mary’s special role as a channel of divine grace and maternal protection. Numerous miracles and favours have been attributed to her intercession over the centuries. In 1922, Pope Pius XI officially proclaimed Our Lady of Altagracia as the Patroness of the Dominican Republic.
Her feast, celebrated annually on 21 January, remains one of the most important religious and cultural celebrations for Dominicans worldwide, symbolising faith, national identity and trust in the loving care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
