The devotees of Nossa Senhora Aparecida count the days of the year to October 12th to arrive. This is because, on this date, the day of the one who became the Patroness of Brazil for Catholics is celebrated. Not only the 12th, but like the entire month, it is a celebration for those who have it as a great symbol of protection. But why October?
History of Our Lady Aparecida
It was in this month, in 1717, that fishermen had to fish for an important banquet that would be offered to the governor of the Province of São Paulo and Minas Gerais at the time, in the city of Guaratinguetá, in the Vale do ParaÃba of São Paulo.
Unsuccessfully after several attempts, they took an image of Our Lady from the dark waters of the ParaÃba River, which came in two pieces in the hammocks: first the body and then, downstream, the head. Then they cast their nets again and were surprised by the abundant catch. The devotion that spread throughout the region and by Catholics in Brazil and the world was born there.
the shrines
The first basilica dedicated to her, called BasÃlia Histórica or BasÃlia Velha, was recognized as her first house in 1893. On October 12, 1894, the CNBB (National Conference of Bishops of Brazil) officially decreed the Church of Nossa Senhora Aparecida as National Shrine, fulfilling a determination of the Code of Canon Law.
In 1955, construction began on the New Sanctuary. Today, it is considered the largest shrine dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus Christ by Catholic belief. Marian apparitions took place in different places around the world to different people. The buildings dedicated to Nossa Senhora Aparecida are naturally located in the region where she appeared, in Vale do ParaÃba.
Fun fact: three Popes have already been there – John Paul II, in 1980, Pope Benedict 16, in 2007, and Pope Francis, in 2013.
How to get?
The city known today as Aparecida, which houses both the New and Old Basilicas, is halfway between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro (approximately 250 km from each). The easiest way to get there is to get off at one of these cities and, by bus or car, get there.
But devotees are not always looking for the easy way. By car, by bus, by bicycle, on foot or on horseback: there are pilgrims coming from all over Brazil, in different ways.
Structure
Built on 1,352,765 square meters of land, the National Sanctuary welcomes millions of visitors annually. Its structure has restaurants, stores of religious articles, internal chapels and special rooms.
One of them is the Capela das Velas, where hundreds of candles, of all types and sizes, are lit by the faithful who use the space to pray, ask and give thanks.
The Room of Promises, in turn, is emblematic. The space with stories and objects of all kinds, from famous and anonymous, who report their graces achieved through the intercession of Nossa Senhora Aparecida. A showcase dedicated solely to the history of weddings has hundreds of invitations, photos, party favors and even a wedding dress. They are narratives in all forms, which hold the attention of the faithful and move.
The visit to the image is also another part that is almost mandatory for the devotees who go to Aparecida. Inside the basilica and in front of the altar at the top, lines are formed in an organized way to see it. Another very emotional moment. It is common to see people paying promises and making the journey to reach her on their knees.
It is worth mentioning that a huge parking lot is available to those who visit. There are 2,000 spaces for buses and 3,000 for cars. The values ​​depend on the type of car – for passenger cars the daily rate is R$ 28 – and can be consulted in this link.
schedule for the holiday
This year, without restrictions due to Covid-19, the Sanctuary will return to special celebrations in the month of Nossa Senhora Aparecida. The venue has the capacity to receive 35,000 people per celebration and the expectation is that all of them will be full. In day October 12 will be seven masses that will be celebrated at different times.
The visit to the image at the National Sanctuary will take place from 5 am to 6 pm. The Historical Basilica can be visited from 6 am to 7 pm. The Sala das Promessas will be open to the public from 5 am to 6 pm.
All masses and celebrations on October 12th will be broadcast live on the social networks of the National Sanctuary, on the Aparecida app and on the Basilica website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
