Brazil Our Lady of Aparecida Date: October 12
Brazil Celebrates Our Lady of Aparecida as a National Holiday.
Every year on October 12 more than a hundred thousand people flock to visit the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida in Aparecida do Norte, São Paulo.
Brazil Our Lady of Aparecida History
In the 18th century, some fishermen cast their nets into the River Paraiba near Sao Paolo and they pulled up a headless statue along with their catch. On the second casting of their nets, they brought up the head of the statue. It then appeared to be a Black Virgin. Legend has it that the slender figure of the Aparecida Virgin became so heavy that the fishermen could not move it. Ever since, the Aparecida Virgin became the Holy Mother, patron Saint of mothers-to-be and the newborn. Worship of the Immaculate “Aparecida” Virgin over the years increased and many petitions and miracles have been obtained. In 1737, a chapel was erected for worshippers.
Work on a larger church began in 1834. In 1955, work started on the huge new Basilica. The nation paid homage to Our Lady of Aparecida when she was fervently pronounced as the Patron Saint of Brazil on July 16 1930, in the presence of all of the country’s religious luminaries as well as its political dignitaries. On that day, Brazil was dedicated to the Holy Virgin of Aparecida by the archbishop of Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil Our Lady of Aparecida Traditions, Customs and Activities
Close of seven million pilgrims come visit the Lady of Aparecida. However, on the saint’s day more than 100,000 of the devotees turn up to pay their respects. Similar sights of devotion are witnessed all over Brazil.
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