Caacupe,a city and district of Paraguay is also considered as the “Religious Capital” of Paraguay since a long time.

Caacupe has abundance of religious and historic monuments and statues but the most important and precious of all is the Virgin of Miracles!

An Indian Christian and also a sculptor in the sixteenth century, in search of mud went alone into the bush. He was attacked by a group of men from other village who actually were his enemies. The sculptor got feared for his life and found a large, thick trunk to hide behind it and started praying to the Virgin Mary.

While praying to Virgin Mary for his safety, he promised her that if she keeps him safe and harmless; outside the trunk he would carve her statue. After escaping safely, the sculptor kept his word and beautifully carved a wooded statue of the Virgin. The carved statue was taken to the church of Tobati and he carved a small one for himself in similar manner.

Since years passed by, many miracles have been associated with the amazing statue. In 1603, floods occurred on the Tapaicua Lake and everything was swept away that occurred in its way including the Virgin statue. The statue miraculously reappeared as the water receded and thereafter, the statue came to be known as the Virgin of Miracles.

After this incident, a hermitage was constructed by a carpenter in which the statue was housed and pilgrims made their way to the statue. At present, the statue is placed at the center of the town in Cathedral and every year in December a religious festival is celebrated in the honor of the Virgin of Miracles.

The statue looks beautiful with its blue eyes and delicate oval shaped face with her hands joined in prayer. Her sky blue cloak and snow white tunic are embroidered with golden color and the statue rests upon a large half moon that stands on a sphere. The town has a large celebration on festival masses with large fireworks and a candlelight procession joined by thousands of people. This is a way for people to thank for their answered prayer or to show their devotion and love towards Mary.