An intricately detailed image, carved in 1841, was commissioned by Fray Manuel Alvarez, O.S.A. to be enshrined in the main altar of the church. Information about the creation date and cost of the image can be found in the "Cargo y Data" records at the National Shrine Museum in the Convento de la Inmaculada Concepcion.
The wooden statue known as "La Verdadera," or "The True Image," represents Saint Anne and the Child Mary. This revered piece of religious art was carved in 1841 under the careful supervision of Fray Manuel Alvarez, OSA, though the identity of the sculptor remains unknown, adding an element of mystery to its history.
La Verdadera was once known as "La Buena Familia," which translates to "The Good Family." This earlier depiction included not only Saint Anne and the Child Mary but also Saint Joachim, creating a familial tableau of profound spiritual significance. In this arrangement, the Blessed Virgin Mary is portrayed as a child attentively listening to her mother's teachings, embodying the virtues of obedience and learning. Saint Joachim is depicted standing beside them, guiding and supporting his wife and daughter, symbolizing the unity and sanctity of the Holy Family. This portrayal emphasized the foundational Christian values of faith, education, and familial support, offering a visual narrative of the nurturing environment that shaped the Virgin Mary's early life.
VIVA APO ANA! VIVA LA VIRGEN!
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