History
In the Spanish town of Acebo, you'll find the Santuario de la Virgen del Acebo / Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Acebo. The name Acebo means holly. So here is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holly.
The origin of the pilgrimage site dates back to 8 September 1575, the feast day of the Nativity of Mary. This is the day the first miracle took place. Mary appeared on a holly tree, at the site where an old chapel once stood. As a result, many pilgrims now come to Acebo.
Due to the large influx of pilgrims, the current church was built, and the chapel had to make way for it. In 1590, the place of worship was completed and the church was consecrated by Diego de Argos. The church has the shape of a Latin cross, with a tower at the entrance and a sacristy on the southeast side.
The current high altar was made by Manuel de Ron Yllano from Péjan. In 1691, the impressive altar was placed behind a sturdy railing. In 1709, the gold work at the altar was added. The year 1828 can be seen on the altarpiece.
Pilgrimage site
Acebo is, after Covadonga, the second most important sanctuary in Asturias.
At an altitude of 1174 metres lies the Sanctuary of Acebo. This mountain is part of the Sierra del Acebo mountain range. The sanctuary is located just below the summit of the mountain. For pilgrims and cycling tourists, it is a popular walking and cycling route from Cangas del Narcea to the summit of Acebo, where transmission masts stand. The actual climb is around 9 kilometres with an average gradient of over 9 percent. The sanctuary therefore receives the most visitors, who have arrived on foot or by bicycle.
The image of Mary is in the centre of the altarpiece.
Many pilgrims come to the shrine on September 8th and the following Sunday. A procession is then held with the blessing of livestock.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Sanctuary of Acebo is located in Asturias, in the region of Oviedo. It is then necessary to go to Cangas del Narcea and then pass the small villages of Robledo de San Cristobal, Borracao and El Branon.
From Cangas de Narcea, it is 12 kilometres to the Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Acebo. This road is almost entirely uphill.
Sierra del Acebo, postcode 33800, Cangas del Narcea.
Experience
On 8 September 2019, the day of Mary's Nativity, I am at the small, Spanish Sanctuary of Acebo. This is a memorable day for me, as today I am not only able to be here, but the Maria Kamer is also being brought to light via the digital highway. On this Sunday morning, I enter the little church at a quarter to ten. The exterior walls, more than a metre thick, impress me. I want to attend the Eucharist service at 11:30 AM, and while waiting for mass, a CD is played with a song about Acebo. Repeatedly, I hear the song. This is quite a special warm-up for the service. The altar is located behind a heavy iron railing of approximately 4 by 4 metres. I arrive at the main altar and am amazed by the particularly beautiful grandeur of its construction. What beautiful work the artists have done! In the centre stands a very special, beautiful statue of Mary. Here she is referred to as the Virgin of the Holly.
It is possible to go behind the altar. I would like to take advantage of this special occasion. First, you go up the steps and then down the steps. I go up the steps and stand behind the statue of Mary. Look, now I am behind Her instead of Her being behind me.
Between the railings and the altar structure hang banners depicting Mary, and there is also an image of Mary. I will stand with my back against the large railing and let the beauty of this part of the church sink in a bit longer. A prayer comes naturally.
There are many candles burning on the ground in front of the fence. Now I understand that the doors are wide open; not only as an invitation, but also for the protection of the white walls. After all, the fumes from the many candles are capable of turning white to black. I bought candles in front of the little church and now they can be lit. I am also lighting a few for the recovery of some friends and for the attention of good people, who are very dear to me. I am also lighting a candle as thanks to Mary, because the journey here went so smoothly.
To the right and left of the burning candles, there are many electric candles lit. I will not be persuaded to light fake candles. I notice that there are many pilgrims visiting. Most of them come from Spain. At 11:30 AM, in this old church, I will attend the Eucharist. All the seats are occupied and there are even still worshippers standing at the sides of the house of God.
After mass I see another magnificent chasuble with an image of Mary. Artwork can also be seen on both sides of the iron railing. On one side, the crucified Jesus and James the Greater are to be honoured. The other side depicts a nativity scene. Next to and in front of this, all sorts of expressions of thanks and honour can be seen, which are called ex-votos. This church building possesses so much beauty.
After the celebration and tour, I go outside. It's a hive of activity with dancing and music. I also notice that many people have come here by bicycle. It is a special day, this Sunday, 8 September 2019, because it is not only the feast day of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, “Natividad de la Virgen María”, but also the arrival of a stage of the Tour of Spain. In a few hours, I will witness the arrival here of the 15th stage, a mountain stage, which goes from Tineo and ends at the Santuario del Acebo over 154.4 kilometres. The finish line has been drawn at the top of the mountain, near the sanctuary.
Posted: 23 March 2020.
Amended: 10 April 2020.
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