Lady of Aparecida Day
October 12, Sunday
History of the holiday
Lady of Aparecida is one of the forms of the Virgin Mary, associated with the miraculous discovery of her statue in the Paraíba do Sul River in 1717. The statue was found by fishermen who initially caught no fish, but after retrieving a small figure of the Virgin Mary, their catch greatly increased. Since then, this statue has been considered miraculous, and Nossa Senhora Aparecida became the patroness of Brazil.
Pope Pius X recognized the cult of Nossa Senhora Aparecida in 1904, and in 1930 she was officially declared the heavenly patroness of Brazil.
Goals and significance
* To honor Nossa Senhora Aparecida as the patroness of Brazil.
* To support the spiritual faith and religious traditions of the country.
* To unite believers through prayers, processions, and ceremonies in honor of the saint.
How it is celebrated
Celebrations include religious services, processions, pilgrimages to the Nossa Senhora Aparecida Church in the city of Aparecida, as well as festivals and cultural events. Believers bring offerings, pray for health and family well-being, and the Catholic Church holds masses dedicated to the saint. The day is also a national holiday, allowing many citizens to participate in the festivities.
Lady of Aparecida Day in other years
- 2021 October 12, Tuesday
- 2022 October 12, Wednesday
- 2023 October 12, Thursday
- 2024 October 12, Saturday
- 2026 October 12, Monday