Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health

The history of the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is deeply rooted in local lore and miraculous events. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary appeared twice in the 16th century – once to a shepherd boy carrying milk and again to a crippled boy selling buttermilk. Both apparitions resulted in miraculous healings, leading to the construction of a small thatched chapel. In the 17th century, Portuguese sailors who were saved from a storm by the Virgin Mary built a more permanent church as a sign of gratitude. Over the centuries, the church expanded and evolved, becoming a major pilgrimage center. In 1962, Pope John XXIII granted the church the status of a Minor Basilica. The basilica continues to attract millions of pilgrims annually, drawn by the stories of miracles, the spiritual atmosphere, and the unwavering faith associated with Our Lady of Good Health.