The Virgin of the Assumption, previously known as the Immaculate Conception, in the church at Ticul

Finding a new title for Mary

In the central section of the main altarpiece in the monastery church of St. Anthony of Padua, Ticul, there is an image of the Virgin of the Assumption, which was previously known by the title of the Immaculate Conception: restoration work carried out on the venerated statue in 2021 revealed that the earlier name was a mistake

Stylistic characteristics of the statue, such as its size, suggest it was made during the 18th century, but both the name of the artist and the origin of the piece have been lost.

Although the statue does not have an associated festival, it has great religious significance for the townspeople, who are deeply devoted to it.

The dynamism of the image is due principally to the Virgin’s pose, as she walks with her hands clasped in front of her in a gesture of devotion and piety, while her garments ripple gently. The scene is completed by four cherubim surrounded by clouds at the Mother of god’s feet.

The statue of the Virgin of the Assumption in Ticul church, which was built during the first half of the 17th century, can be viewed during the times of religious services.

According to Dr. Miguel Güémez Pineda, Ticul means “place with many kul bushes”, from ti, place, and kul a beautiful species of bush. The town is 87 km (54 miles) south of Merida.

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