The earthquake of March 26 , 1812 , ( which devastated the cities of Caracas , Barquisimeto , Mérida , El Tocuyo and San Felipe ) destroyed the temple of the Divina Pastora , but the sculpture remained intact , reinforcing the belief of the faithful that the Virgin wanted to stay to protect them
earthquake of March 26 , 1812
1812 Caracas earthquake
Divina Pastora (Barquisimeto)