The image measures at 42 centimeters and is believed to be brought to Nicaragua by Rodrigo Ahumada, the brother of Saint Teresa of Avila which pious legends claim ownership prior to the arrival in the country.

The natives in the area venerated the Marian image resulting in the donation to the present shrine, which is believed to be by divine appointment.

[1] A letter of 1673 cites a document of 5 January 1626 according to which the statue was given by Saint Teresa of Avila to her brother, who brought it to where it now is and died there.

[2] Another source gives the name of Saint Teresa's brother as Don Lorenzo de Cepeda and repeats the story of the storm forcing him to leave the statue in what was then called Chamulpa and is now El Viejo.

The blue and white vestments of the Virgin are closely tied to the national flag of Nicaragua, while silver adornments are also part of her ensemble, a common precious metal found abundant in the area.