La Cofradia de La Conquistadora

The Cofradia del Rosario is a confraternity which had been formed by the 1650’s in Spain and had adopted Our Lady as their patroness. The earliest known document relating to a confraternity associated with La Conquistadora dates to 1685.

The current constitution of the confraternity states that the purpose of the organization shall be to “promote devotion to the Mother of God under the title of La Conquistadora – Our Lady of Peace, and for the upkeep and maintenance of both of her chapels at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Rosario Chapel”. In general, to keep records of the members of the Cofradia, keep an accounting of all dues and to pay all bills and expenses incurred in spreading and promoting the devotion of Our Lady. 

The officers have the responsibility to protect, preserve and care for the images of La Conquistadora and La Peregrina. They are also charged with the safekeeping of Our Lady’s wardrobe, jewels and gifts and the changing of clothing for both of the statues.

The Cofradia consists of five officers, Mayordomo, Assistant Mayordomo, Sacristana, Secretary and Treasurer. The Mayordomo and Assistant Mayordomo are responsible for transporting La Peregrina to all requested visitations. The officers make all the necessary preparations for the annual La Conquistadora processions, novena Masses and special events as they are scheduled. They work in keeping and preserving the traditions handed down to us by our ancestors. With the continued support of the membership, the organization insures that future generations will be able to be a part of a living history.

Membership is open to any person who has a devotion to the mother of God under the historic and sacred title of Our Lady of the Rosary, La Conquistadora, and who particularly wants to participate actively in the unique devotion of Santa Fe. Anyone may join by inscribing their name at the office of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi or by writing to La Cofradia de La Conquistadora c/o Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis, P.O. Box 2127, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2127. Applications for membership and additional historical information are available in Our Lady’s Chapel in the Cathedral. The membership fee is $5.00 per year per person. Additional offerings of devotion may be made at any time. You may also wish to enroll your deceased loved ones. Membership entitles cofrade to participate in all Cofradia intention Masses celebrated year-round on all the important Marian feast days throughout the year as well as the double set of novena Masses said annually. Dues help to defray expenses of candles and flowers at the Capilla de La Conquistadora at Rosario and in the Capilla de La Conquistadora in the Cathedral Basilica year-round and are also used for upkeep and maintenance and restoration of the Rosario Chapel were the majority of the novena Masses are held. Members are also included in the intentions of pilgrimage services and Mass at Our Lady’s altar. 

Cofradia Annual Meeting

Novena to Our Lady of Peace, La Conquistadora