Our Monkey Tours host Michelle Jones visited the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, or the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in the Province of Cartago, Costa Rica.

The Basilica has been in the Province of Cartago since 1639, but it has been rebuilt several times. People are known to make a pilgrimage to this now famous sight during the Romeria in August, and there are about 2.5 million Roman Catholics in Costa Rica that make a journey from as far as 22 kilometers or more to the sanctuary. The Basilica of Our Lady of Angels in Cartago is also known for a few supernatural happenings which include miraculous healings and the finding of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the area years ago.

Michelle had the opportunity to learn more about the Basilica while visiting with Father Walter who is currently stationed at the church. A transcript of their conversation is displayed below.

Michelle When was the Basilica built?

Father Walter The first version of the basilica was built in 1912, but this is the third version of the church of the lady of Los Angeles. The first church here was built in the colonial period, and the second one was destroyed during the Santa Monica earthquake in 1910 where the entire city of Cartago was devastated. The most recent building, which is the third renovation, is the one we are standing in.

M How many people regularly attend mass?

FW Well, there are about thirteen thousand people that regularly attend mass each week here at the Basilica.

M Oh…Is there a special story you’d like to share with our viewers?

FW Yes, invite your viewers to please visit the sanctuary of the Lady of Los Angeles as it is the third most visited sanctuary in all of Central America, and has an immense spiritual environment especially during the festivities in August which we would love to invite others to praticipate in honor of the spirit of the Lady of Los Angeles. You can come here to experience Costa Rican faith like that found in the sanctuary of the Lady of Los Angeles the protective mother of Costa Rica.

M Thank you very much

For visitors, the Basilica represents an opportunity to learn more about the people, faith and culture of Costa Rica, and devout Catholics will also find the church of great interest.