Tenerife: Miracle Fall Leads to Virgin of Candelaria Hermitage
A hermitage in Tenerife, built by Antonio Hernández almost a century ago after a miraculous recovery from a severe fall, continues to be a cherished site of devotion to the Virgin of Candelaria and other revered figures.
The Virgin of Candelaria is deeply cherished by people across the Canary Islands. When facing troubles, many faithful turn to her, seeking protection and hope, believing in her power to help them through difficult times. This was true for Antonio Hernández, a resident of Tenerife, nearly a century ago. He experienced a miracle himself: after a severe fall from several meters high, he promised to build a hermitage in the Virgin's honor if he survived.
Tucked away in a mountain near Barranco de Santos, you'll find a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria. Known affectionately as "the Morenita," her image is a constant presence for local residents. The chapel is reached by a paved road, after crossing the Javier de Loño bridge, heading towards the La Salud neighborhood.
Antonio Hernández was just 8 years old when he suffered a terrible accident. He fell 28 meters near a ravine close to his home, sustaining serious injuries that brought him close to death. In their despair, Antonio and his family vowed to the Virgin of Candelaria that if he recovered, they would honor her forever. Miraculously, Antonio did recover. True to his word, he decided to fulfill the promise made to the Morenita.
As an adult, Antonio personally built a small cave in the mountain. This later became a hermitage where he placed an image of the Virgin of Candelaria, a symbol of his gratitude.
Over time, this spot became well-known in the area, drawing many residents who came to pray to the islands' patroness.
Today, masses and other religious services continue to be held at the hermitage, keeping the devotion to the Virgin of Candelaria alive. The temple has also come to house other highly revered images, such as Saint Jude Thaddeus, Saint Nicholas of Bari, and Saint Brother Pedro, further enriching its spiritual significance.
Three decades ago, the Brotherhood of Jesus Nazarene and Our Lady of Candelaria was founded at this small sanctuary. It received official recognition from the Diocese of Nivariense on May 15, 1995. Since then, the temple has also housed a small carving of Jesus Nazarene, strengthening its role as a place of faith and tradition on the island.
As the Virgin of Candelaria returns to her sanctuary this afternoon, remember that there will always be a special place in the capital where you can go to pray to her in difficult moments, just as Antonio did almost a century ago.