This painting titled "La Rogativa" is a watercolor depiction of the bronze statue located on La Caleta de las Monjas in Old San Juan, PR.
I decided to paint this image of La Rogativa not only because I had experienced a beautiful sunset the day I took inspiration from, but because I love the story behind this incredible statue. Back in 1797, San Juan was taken over by a British naval blockade, and as a response, the governor ordered a Rogativa. Which is basically a procession of people making a plea to God for help. So many of the women of Old San Juan, led by the bishop, marched through the cobblestone streets praying for the city. They started at the Cathedral and made their way through the city singing hymns, carrying torches and bells and praying. The British, from their ships in the bay, actually misinterpreted all the lighted torches and sounds from the bells as the arrival of reinforcements. They considered themselves outnumbered and abandoned the city quickly after.
May this story be a reminder that faith does move mountains, sometimes in the most magical ways, so trust in your prayers and know that they are being heard and shall be answered. All in divine time✨
-Borinkén Mitchell 2023