Lady of Aparecida – October 12, 2022, history, significance
Lady of Aparecida Day is usually observed on October 12th, in Brazil. It is known as ‘Nossa Senhora de Aparecida’ and is dedicated to Brazil’s patron saint, the Virgin Mary Aparecida. A ten-day celebration honors Mary in the city near So Paulo that takes her name.
Aparecida (appearing) is her name since there are multiple tales of apparitions of Our Lady of the Conception during difficult times, as well as her first miracle for the fisherman. On October 12, it is highly common for Brazilians from all across the nation to flock to the city of Aparecida in So Paulo.
HISTORY OF LADY OF APARECIDA
According to legend, in October 1717, after a day of unsuccessful fishing, fishermen cast their nets into the Paraiba River and picked out a little brown statue of the Virgin Mary. The three fishermen fished for hours and didn’t catch a single fish.
They were ready to give up and depart when they decided to give it one more go. Do you know what they found when they cast the net for the last time? A fragment of Our Lady of Aparecida’s idol. They threw their nets again after bringing in the little idol of the saint and caught many fish! This was the first of many miracles performed by Our Lady of Aparecida. She later became a Catholic emblem and the Saint of Miracles.
The place where the miracle occurred evolved into the city of Aparecida (meaning “she who has appeared”) and a cathedral was erected to house the statue, which is today a popular pilgrimage site.
The figure is constructed of clay and is around 15.7 inches tall. The statue was discovered in a brighter shade of brown, but it has since darkened owing to years of exposure to candles and lighting around the altar. Because of its color and the fact that the miracle occurred to a young slave child, devotion to the monument spread quickly, especially among Afro-Brazilians.
Many churches in Brazil have been dedicated to her, the most notable of which being the Cathedral of Brasilia and the National Basilica. The latter is the world’s second-largest basilica, with a capacity of more than 45,000 people.
In 1929, Pope Pius XI designated Our Lady of Aparecida as the patron saint of Brazil. Since 1980, the feast day of Our Lady of Aparecida has been declared a national holiday in Brazil.
LADY OF APARECIDA TIMELINE
1717
Small Brown Statue of the Virgin Mary
The Virgin Mary statue is allegedly found in the Paraiba River by fishermen who cast their nets there following a fruitless day of fishing.
1904
The Statue is Crowned by the Church
The Catholic church canonically crowns the statue and proclaims her the patroness, or padroeira, of Brazil.
1955
New Basilica
It is now the world’s second-largest basilica, with a capacity of 30,000 guests at any given time.
1980
National Holiday
The feast day of Our Lady of Aparecida is declared a national holiday in Brazil.
LADY OF APARECIDA ACTIVITIES
Make new requests to the Lady of Aparecida
There is the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, Brazil’s largest Catholic church and the world’s second-largest. Brazilians usually go there to fulfill vows made during the year, to make fresh requests to Our Lady, and, of course, to take a tour of the sanctuary.
Tie ribbons in the chapel
Brazilians frequently tie ribbons in the chapel to make requests for miracles they want her to perform. If you can, travel to Brazil on your next vacation and tie your own ribbon.
Share it on social media
Share your Lady of Aparecida celebration tale on social media with the hashtag #LadyofAparecida. Inform everyone about this special day!
5 FACTS ABOUT THE BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE
Fishermen discovered the statue
Three fishermen set off on their regular fishing expedition on the Paraiba River in the 18th century.
An ancient wooden basilica was constructed
In the Coqueiros hills, a little church was erected for the monument in 1735, which quickly attracted notice, and pilgrims rushed to the chapel.
A fisherman originally sheltered the statue
The statue presently seen in the shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida was originally stored in Felipe Pedroso’s residence.
Largest shrine in Latin America
The Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida is one of Latin America’s biggest structures and is ranked second only to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
An effort was made to steal it
An intruder attempted to take the statue of Our Lady of Aparecida.
WHY WE LOVE LADY OF APARECIDA
It’s a significant day in Brazilian history
Lady of Aparecida Day is a significant date in Brazilian history. It is especially noteworthy for African Brazilians, who were most taken by the statue’s black appearance.
A day to enjoy yourself
Feasts and wishes are held in honor of the Lady of Aparecida. This makes it an excellent day for gathering and praying.
Brazilian culture is honored
This is also an excellent day to honor Brazilian culture. Discover more about their beliefs, food, and other topics.
