The Virgin of the Pillar, or “La Virgen del Pilar” is the patron saint of Zaragoza Spain. Before I was born, my parents lived in Spain. They had studied in different parts of the world including Colombia, Brazil and United States. Both of them having gotten their masters degree in the states, they were seriously considering moving to the DC area and building a life here. When they got pregnant with me, they made the decision to apply to jobs in America. 

However, wanting to keep their Spanish heritage, they wanted to name me something unique to Spain. They considered naming me Isabella, after the blessed Queen, but plans turned around. When thinking of what to name me, they were visiting Zaragoza, Spain. They have a cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of the city: Virgen del Pilar. 

They purchased this object in one of the boutiques of Zaragoza, where my name happened to be on everything! They brought it when they moved to the states, and it was a pinnacle in my religious development as I learned to pray (in spanish) facing the statue. 

I am grateful that my name has such an interesting back story and that I am lucha enough to have part of myself back in Spain. 

– PA.

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant