History and miracles of Our Lady of Aparecida: the patroness of Brazil

History and miracles of Our Lady of Aparecida: the patroness of Brazil


Discover the history and miracles of Our Lady of Aparecida, patroness of Brazil, symbol of faith and protection for millions of devotees

The history of the patron saint begins in 1717, in the waters of the Paraíba do Sul river, in São Paulo. Three fishermen, Domingos Garcia, João Alves and Filipe Pedroso, were in charge of procuring fish for a banquet in honor of the Count of Assumar, who was visiting the region. Despite many attempts, nothing stuck. Until, casting the net again, they found the body of a small clay image. Casting the net again, they caught the head of the image: it was the representation of the Madonna della Concezione.




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The fishermen, moved, cleaned and joined the parts. Then they cast the net again and the miracle happened: the fish began to appear in abundance, quickly filling the boat. The news spread and people began to recognize the event as a divine sign. Thus was born the devotion to the Madonna Aparecida.

From simple devotion to the patron saint of Brazil

Over the years, countless miracles were attributed to the saint. The image was kept by Filipe Pedroso’s family and became a point of prayer for the entire community.

Then, in 1834, the first basilica was built and in 1929 Pope Pius XI proclaimed Our Lady of Aparecida Patroness of Brazil. Since then, millions of faithful have made a pilgrimage every year to the National Shrine of Aparecida, the largest Marian temple in the world.

Miracles that strengthened faith

Among the countless testimonies of faith and miracles granted by Our Lady of Aparecida, some have become emblematic:

The freed slave: A chained man asked the Saint for help and the chains miraculously broke.

The child saved from the waters: A boy who fell into a river was saved unharmed after his mother’s desperate plea to the Madonna.

Healings and reconciliations: Devotees report countless physical and spiritual healings after their heartfelt prayers.

These and many other testimonies, therefore, strengthen the loving presence of the Patron Saint, who intercedes with God for those who suffer, doubt or need a miracle.

The strength of faith that moves a country

Devotion to Our Lady Aparecida goes beyond religions and borders. In this way it represents hope, love, protection and unity, thus being a force that lives in the heart of every Brazilian who believes in the power of prayer and divine light.

Therefore, on this October 12, Brazil’s patronal feast, renew your faith and ask Mother Aparecida to illuminate your paths with blessings and miracles.

“Our Lady of Aparecida, pray for us and for all of Brazil.”

Source: Terra

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