Hermits

OLATZ, OUR LADY OF

Hermitage and Virgin venerated in Azpeitia, Gip. Probably founded in the 14th century, the church, renovated in modern times, houses the Virgin of Olatz, an image of the Andra Mari type, canonically crowned only on 21 September 1952. This hermitage was much visited by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in his youth, and the Particular Meetings of the Province were held here until the end of the 17th century, the last being held on 31 October 1700. At a session of the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council on 23 May 1905, it was agreed to place a bilingual tombstone in the Basarte farmhouse in Azpeitia, in the church of Santa Cruz in the same town, and in the church of Santa María de Olatz in Azpeitia. These were placed on 30 July, the eve of Saint Ignatius.