Writers Abroad Magazine Issue 3 September 2015 | Page 7

WRITERS ABROAD MAGAZINE

A Little Piece of Heaven
An article by Chris Nedahl

High above the town of Albox, in the Sierra de Estancias in Spain, stands El
Santuario del Saliente.
The proud stance of this amazing monastery, once seen, is a sight never forgotten. Its
light terracotta walls, against the backdrop of blue skies, takes your breath away. A
worthy vista, after an ascent of unbelievable beauty. A gradual incline gives way to
steeper stretches and at a height of around 1400 metres, winter sees snow fall.
As I set foot on the terrace of the sanctuary, a peace descends. The only sounds are
the birds flying overhead and the occasional melodious peal of the bells. Neither
encroaches on the overwhelming tranquillity. Inside the monastery, through an ornate
wooden door, is the chapel and shrine of our Lady of Saliente. Beyond the altar and
beneath a hanging dome, stands La Pequeñica. This is the fond name given to La
Virgen de Saliente, a historic figurine, just 60 centimetres high. She is viewed through
glass, encased in heavy silver, and always surrounded by flowers.
This extraordinary statuette goes back to the 1700s. Lazarus, the grandson of an
Albox farming family, was tending his mules and donkeys on the hillside when he
heard a blessed voice and saw a vision of the Virgin Mary. He was overcome by the
beauty he witnessed. The villagers believed this pure-hearted boy and when he
begged for an image to match his vision, two priests were sent in search. On their
journey they stayed at an inn where a cleric asked about their quest. On hearing their
story, he gave them a holy image. It matched Lazarus' vision exactly and the priests
asked him to accompany them to Albox.

7|September 2015