A recent tribute in Vall de Núria celebrated the activists behind the 1967 kidnapping of a sacred statue, marking a pivotal moment in Catalan history. The event drew attention to cultural resistance during Franco's regime.
On July 8, 1967, a group of antifranquistas executed a bold operation that would resonate through Catalonia’s history: they kidnapped the Romanesque statue of the Virgin of Núria. This act was not merely theft; it was a statement against oppression and a demand for cultural identity during one of Spain’s darkest political eras.
The statue remained hidden for over four years, with its whereabouts kept secret across various locations in Catalonia. The activists’ actions coincided with significant unrest regarding ecclesiastical appointments in Catalonia, particularly following the controversial designation of Marcelo González Martín as archbishop adjutor of Barcelona.
As tensions escalated, the activists sought to reclaim their cultural heritage and demanded that only Catalans be appointed as bishops within their dioceses. Their campaign, known as Volem bisbes catalans, was spearheaded by notable figures such as Xavier Polo and Jordi Pujol, who later became president of the Generalitat.
The kidnapping received widespread media coverage at the time, described by some outlets as a “sacrilegious robbery.” Despite this characterization, many viewed it as an act of defiance against Franco’s regime. Just days after the heist, on July 13, an official ceremony for the Virgin’s canonical coronation took place at Núria Sanctuary but was met with reduced attendance due to the controversy surrounding her abduction.
In January 1972, following years of advocacy and changing political tides marked by Narcís Jubany’s appointment as archbishop of Barcelona, arrangements were made for the statue’s return. The handover occurred at Montserrat under tight security and marked a significant victory for those who had fought for Catalan representation within the Church.
This week’s homage in Vall de Núria attracted around 200 participants, including some original members involved in the operation. They retraced their steps from Queralbs to Núria while carrying a replica of the Virgin—a symbolic gesture honoring their past actions. Among them was Xavier Margais, who recalled his youthful involvement at just 20 years old during that historic event.
“We were with ‘la nina’ up and down many times,” Polo reminisced about their clandestine efforts to protect and transport the statue.
The original statue had been hidden across several locations throughout its captivity: from Vallgorguina to various apartments in Barcelona’s Horta neighborhood. These details were uncovered years later by researchers Manuel Castellet and Rosa Anna Felip in their book Mossèn, ens han pres la Maredeu!.
A plaque commemorating this audacious act now stands along the path leading into Núria Sanctuary undercrossing d’en Riba cross—serving both as a reminder and an invitation for future generations to reflect on this chapter of resistance against cultural erasure.
The tribute not only recognized those who participated but also sparked discussions about ongoing issues related to cultural identity within modern Spain. As attendees shared stories and memories from that era, they reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Catalan heritage amidst contemporary challenges.
For those interested in exploring this historical site or learning more about its significance within Catalonia’s struggle for identity, guided tours are available year-round at Núria Sanctuary. Visitors can easily access it via train or hike along scenic trails from nearby towns like Queralbs.
You might also be interested in
