Our Lady of Covadonga, Asturias, Spain

Situated in the beautiful landscape of the Picos de Europa National Park, this sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary is a lighthouse to the Faithful. Masses are still given in the cavern where the Virgin Mary appeared in 722 to the army of Don Pelayo. It is said that thanks to divine intervention, the consequent battle fell in favour of the Christian army, the first victory against the Islamic invaders. Shortly afterwards, Don Pelayo became the first Spanish King and the reconquest of the peninsula by Christian forces began, slowly but inexorably.

The message is never to despair. The Muslim sources claim that they were defeated by just 30 men.


Through Mary, Jesus came from heaven to earth, that we through Mary can go from earth to heaven!