More than 2 million join Our Lady procession in Brazil

The 234th Círio de Nazaré included a 3.6km procession from the Belém Metropolitan Cathedral to Sanctuary Square located in front of the Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth. The procession last week lasted some five hours.

The day started with a Mass celebrated by Belem Archbishop Julio Akamine Endi in front of the cathedral. In his homily, he highlighted the significance of the procession as an expression of a shared journey toward Christ.

“The procession is very slow and takes a long time, but the pace is because we don’t want to leave anyone behind; we don’t want to abandon anyone along the way. We want everyone to reach Jesus Christ, to reach eternal life together,” he said.

The archbishop invoked the intercession of Our Lady of Nazareth so that the faithful might persevere on this journey. He also urged the faithful to care for others and to look after the salvation of their brothers and sisters, following Mary’s example.

After the Mass, the image of Our Lady of Nazareth was placed on the “berlinda” (a ceremonial carriage) and was taken in procession through the streets of Belém, pulled by a rope, one of the symbols of the Círio festival, that devotees strive to hold onto.

Along the route, devotees fulfilled their vows in various ways: travelling on their knees, carrying heavy crosses or images of Our Lady, performing ballet and even being blindfolded.

To help alleviate the heat, the fire department used water trucks, while volunteers distributed water to the pilgrims.

After the image arrived at Sanctuary Square, the programme for the procession concluded with a Mass. The Círio schedule of events continues throughout October with other pilgrimages and religious activities.

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More than two million people participate in procession in Brazil (By Nathália Queiroz/EWTN News)