Hundreds of individuals returned to pay their respects, as is customary every February 15, to the incorrupt body of Sr. María de Jesús de León Delgado (1643-1731), affectionately referred to as La Siervita, at the convent of Santa Catalina de Siena (situated in the Lagunera Plaza del Adelantado), marking the 294th anniversary of her passing.
The devotion and faith towards La Siervita, known for her miraculous reputation, remain steadfast year after year, drawing a significant number of visitors who come to seek assistance or offer gratitude. This occasion also piques the interest of newcomers who are intrigued by her story and the surrounding legends. Moreover, this year’s coincidence of February 15 falling on a Saturday resulted in a higher turnout on La Carrera street compared to previous years, with many families, children, and young people joining in, as it was not a school day. The weather was pleasant throughout the morning, although there were moments of light drizzle in the afternoon.
The throngs of tourists discreetly observed the queue, which moved smoothly despite the constant influx of participants—both locals and tourists from across the island—many of whom have been visiting for years. Josefa shared that she started visiting La Siervita due to the body being incorrupt, saying, “I am a devout believer and come from a religious family.” She expressed her strong faith, recounting her experience with three family members who battled cancer: “I asked La Siervita to spare one, and surprisingly, my sister, who was the most ill and had suffered for 40 years, was the one who survived.”
Candelaria, who accompanied her, began her visits nearly a decade ago upon hearing of La Siervita’s miraculous fame: “I felt some discomfort in my feet and I’m not sure if it was faith or something else, but I came and it helped me. I took off my orthotics and now walk normally.” Since then, she has committed to visiting every year in gratitude.
However, it is the captivating history of La Siervita that entices new visitors to experience this tradition, such as Beatriz (36 years) and Ana (32 years), who travelled from the southern part of the island: “It’s my first visit and I didn’t know much about the story, but when I heard about it, I wanted to witness the tradition,” Beatriz remarked. “I also came to see the image and understand the significance of the tradition here in La Laguna. Plus, it’s easier to come on a Saturday,” added Ana.
Francisco and Fina, who have been visiting La Siervita for the past decade, began out of curiosity but have continued as a tradition. “We needed to come to ask for health at least, since she is renowned for performing miracles; she is very holy,” Fina noted. “And I also asked her to help me become a grandmother, send me a granddaughter,” she said with a chuckle. Incidentally, her husband stated that “it’s also a day to enjoy a stroll” through La Laguna, noting that they observed “a lot more people this year compared to previous times, with reports of long queues forming as early as 5 in the morning.”
The day commenced at 6:00 am with a Eucharistic celebration at 7:00 am. Later in the afternoon, the deputy mayor of La Laguna, Fran Hernández, alongside the mayor of El Sauzal, Mariano Pérez, performed the traditional floral offering on behalf of both local councils to Sister María de Jesús. The convent will reopen its doors today, from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm, providing yet another chance to visit La Siervita.
El Sauzal, 1643
Sr. María de Jesús was born in El Sauzal in 1643 and relocated to La Laguna following the death of her parents, where she entered the convent of Santa Catalina de Siena. She devoted her life to religious service until her passing at the age of 88 on February 15, 1731. Three years following her demise, her body was exhumed and discovered to be incorrupt, subsequently placed in an ornate polychrome sarcophagus in the low choir of the convent, attracting hundreds of devotees every February 15.
