Msgr. Flavio Gionenalle, Bishop of Abatetuba and Regional President of the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB), presided a mass in the presence of the Archbishop of Sao Paulo, Cardinal Claudio Hummes, who had a good impression of the Cirio of Nazareth.
The procession is traditionally held on the second Sunday of October, and in this year’s celebration there were more than two thousand balloons, two tons of shredded paper and rose petals that were thrown to the streets of the capital of the state of Para, during the passage of the image of Our Lady of Nazareth.
The "promesseiros," the name of those who escort the said procession, for seven hours, walked four and a half miles that separate the Cathedral of Belém of the Shrine of Our Lady of Nazareth, with the rope held before the car that transported the image.
At five in the morning, when each of the community is moving around, the pilgrims are gathered to pray the dawn rosary. Franca In Franca, in the state of Sao Paulo, which is more than 2,600 km away from Belem, the parish of the Augustinian Recollects, known affectionately as the "Capelinhos," becomes one of the most important pilgrimage centers of the region these days. Pilgrims from nearby cities are also welcomed there.
At five in the morning, when each of the community is moving around, the pilgrims are gathered to pray the dawn rosary. The prayer is not only limited to the fifteen mysteries, but there were also songs, prayers and reflection that accompany the image of Our Lady Aparecida.
At ten o'clock, ensued the procession of the Knights and there were more than half a thousand horses that surrounded the Virgin Mary during the praying of the Angelus at the square.
Free lunch was served to more than two thousand people who participated the events organized by the Augustinian Recollects of the Capelinha de Franca. The evening procession began at 16.30 and ended with the solemn outdoor mass presided by Msgr.Caetano Ferrari, bishop of Franca.
Thousands participated with faith and great sign of devotion. The image of the Aparecida was handed over to all the partners of the project "Mi fe construye,” through which the Social and Catechetical Center of Our Lady are being built. The fireworks gave the finishing touches to the blessed day dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida.