Inaugurated in the Vatican Gardens the Mosaic of Our Lady of Luján

In memory of Blessed Cardinal Pironio

The close bond between the See of Peter and Argentina was renewed with the placement in the Vatican Gardens of a mosaic of Our Lady of Luján, Patroness of the South American nation. The solemn blessing and inauguration of the image took place on the morning of Tuesday, September 9, in the presence of Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, Leonardo Sandri, Vice Dean of the College of Cardinals and Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President Emeritus of the Governorate of Vatican City State,  Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Monsignors Lucio Adrián Ruiz, Secretary of the Dicastery of Communications and  Guillermo Javier Karcher, Official of the Secretariat of State, Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate, H.E. Luis Pablo María Beltramino, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to the Holy See, bishops, priests, religious men and women, and representatives of the Argentine community residing in Rome.

The mosaic was created by artist Florencia Delucchi and depicts Our Lady of Luján with her traditional colors: a sky-blue mantle and a golden crown, symbolizing royalty and maternal protection. Rich in detail and meaning, the work forms part of an initiative to give special honor to Marian images from around the world.
After the speeches by the Ambassador of the Argentine Republic and Cardinal Parolin, Cardinal Sandri blessed the mosaic with a special prayer to the Virgin. Cardinal Vérgez Alzaga then offered concluding words to those present.
This inauguration is not merely an artistic or devotional act, but a spiritual bridge between the Vatican and Argentina, between the local Church and the universal Church. Our Lady of Luján, venerated by millions of faithful around the globe, will continue to speak to hearts with her message of love, hope and protection.

Below is a translation of the words delivered by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez:

Most Eminent Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State and Leonardo Sandri, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches and Vice Dean of the College of Cardinals,
Most Reverend Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State,
Your Excellency Dr. Luis Pablo María Beltramino, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to the Holy See,
Most Distinguished Authorities, Representatives of Civil and Religious Institutions, Members of the Argentine Community, and Dear Friends:

We are gathered here today around a figure who transcends borders, beliefs, and generations: Our Lady of Luján, Patroness of the beloved Argentine people and a profound symbol of faith, hope and protection.

It is a great joy for me to take part in the enthronement of Our Lady of Luján in the Vatican Gardens, alongside mosaics depicting the Patronesses of almost every country in Latin America—an invocation so dear to our late Pope Francis. This simple yet profound act brings back so many memories and joys. I am personally deeply connected to the Shrine of Our Lady of Luján through Blessed Cardinal Pironio, who is buried there and who was beatified there in December 2023.

To enthrone Our Lady of Luján is not merely an artistic or ceremonial gesture. Above all, it is a living expression of a community’s devotion, a community that does not forget its roots, culture, or spirituality. This mosaic will remain as a visible sign of an invisible yet unshakable bond that unites us with history, with the land, and with the deepest values of the Argentine people.

We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to all the civil and religious authorities present for honoring this significant moment with their presence. Your attendance reaffirms the value of collaboration between institutions and communities in preserving and promoting our spiritual and cultural heritage. A special acknowledgment goes to the Argentine Episcopal Conference, which immediately lent its support; to the Ambassador, who from the beginning of his mission to the Holy See worked tirelessly to make this desire a reality.

I sincerely thank all those who made this work possible: in particular, Mr. Ricardo Trigo, Mr. Mario Montoto, and Mr. Luis Calello, who donated this piece that today brings us all together; the artists, who with their talent have captured the beauty and tenderness of the Virgin; those who worked discreetly yet tirelessly to organize this event, and all the faithful and devotees who, through their presence and prayers, have given life to this occasion.

Thanks also to the Argentine community in Rome, who have kept alive their devotion to Our Lady of Luján despite the distance. Today we celebrate not only an image but a presence—a presence that accompanies, consoles, and strengthens.

I conclude with the words of Blessed Pironio to Mary of Luján:
"Mother of God and our Mother, Mother of Christ the Lord and Savior, Mother of the Church, teach us Jesus, show us Jesus, help us to delight in Jesus within. May we be docile to His Word, and through this Word be faithful to the Father’s will.
Mary, teach us to find Jesus in night and day, on the cross and in joy, in life and in death. Mother, show us Jesus every day, so that at the end of our journey, of our exile, you may show us clearly and definitively Jesus, the blessed fruit of your womb.
Mary welcomes us and embraces us all in Luján, which is the heart of the nation. In Mary’s heart—the poor, contemplative, and available one—I leave you with these two phrases of the Virgin: ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word,’ ‘Do whatever He tells you.’ Do not leave Luján—a place of God’s closeness through Mary—without renewing this twofold commitment: to say Yes to the Lord every day, and to do generously and joyfully all that He asks of you. You will find immense happiness if you do so. Amen."