The Virgin of Itatí is known for her transfigurations

Itatí is a small town in the province of Corrientes, on the Parana River in Argentina. The Basilica of Our Lady of Itatí was built there in 1938.

The 26-foot dome of the basilica, one of the tallest in South America, is topped by a bonze statue of the Virgin that overlooks the city. This modern basilica can accommodate 9,000.

Behind the main altar is enshrined the wooden statue of Our Lady of Itatí, in a small oratory decorated with a fresco representing natives praying to the Virgin on the banks of the Parana River.

The devotion of the Virgin of Itatí dates back to the Jesuit era when, according to tradition, the Jesuit missionary Luis de Bolaños and the natives he had converted were saved from an attack of an enemy tribe through the intervention of the Virgin. After their passage, a breach formed on the Yaguarí River, keeping the Itatí Mission safe from the attackers, who then turned back.

The Virgin of Itatí is known for her transfigurations. The first one took place during Holy Week of 1624 and lasted several days. According to Fray Luis de Gamarra, "there was an extraordinary change in her face, she was more beautiful than ever before."

The image was crowned on July 16, 1900, by decision of Pope Leo XIII, and she received the titles of Queen of Parana and Queen of Love.

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