Virgin of the Knights
Villavieja de Yeltes, Spain (12th c.)
From time immemorial, the Virgin of Knights has been honored by the inhabitants of Villavieja with the specific date of the beginning of the devotion unknown. Popular tradition says that the Virgin appeared to a knight of Salamanca from the Knights Templar, according to documents in the Vatican archives. She was declared Patroness of Villavieja by Pope Pius XII, with Bishop of Ciudad Rodrigo D. Maximum Yurramendi making the solemn proclamation in the Plaza Mayor of Villavieja on April 18, 1948.
Townspeople celebrate festivities in honor of their patron. All dress in their finery to honor her with a Mass followed by an offertory next to City Hall where all the attendees kiss her image.
Text and image used with permission.
Source: "365 Days with Mary" by Michael O'Neill
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