Breastfeeding Madonna

A very special statue of the Blessed Mother was recently crowned by the Archbishop of Madrid in the Cathedral Basilica.  The image of Our Lady of La Leche depicts an intimate moment as the infant Jesus is cradled by the Virgin Mary and is feeding at her breast. This was an occasion to recall Mary’s sacrifice, humility, and faith-filled loyalty. The cardinal stood a few feet in front of the image and blessed it with incense before bowing in gratitude and respect. The crowning acknowledges that the specific image, while having local significance, also has universal importance for the Catholic Church as it pertains to Christ’s salvation through his death and resurrection. The practice of honoring this statue began in the 17th century but became increasingly popular in the late 1800s. Our Lady of La Leche holds a special place in the heart of the Diocese of St. Augustine in North Florida. The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary breastfeeding the infant Jesus dates back to the 16th century in Madrid, where she is called Nuestra Señora de la Leche y Buen Parto (Our Lady of the Milk and Happy Delivery). After learning of miracles associated with the devotion to Our Lady of La Leche, King Philip III wished to erect a shrine in her honor. While the original was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, a replica of the original statue is currently housed in the historic chapel on the grounds that is now a national shrine and is the first U.S. Marian shrine. Since Mary is so tender, parents wanting a child have been very attracted to Our Lady of La Leche, and they pray to her when pregnant, raising babies and of course while nursing their babies with their breast milk.