This visit by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor to the National Shrine of Our Lady Aparecida in Aparecida do Norte, São Paulo State, home of our beloved Mother Aparecida, was also attended by some Associates of the Brazilian Area.
It was a time of joy and many blessings for all. Together, we had the opportunity to visit the House of Our Mother Aparecida – as we like to call the Basilica – a place that does so much good for thousands of visitors.
For me, it was a very valuable gift that the Congregation provided, through the person of our Sister Maria Helena. A time to invigorate our faith and hope.
How we rejoiced in seeing our most experienced Sisters so happy to be there, in this enlightened place that conveys so much peace!
Within the vast Shrine area, we had the opportunity to visit some places like the Hall of Promises, the Central Dome, the Tower, which serves as a belvedere and holds the museum, and the Chapel of the Candles.
We had the grace of navigating the Paraíba do Sul River where the image of Our Lady of Aparecida was found by fishermen, a miracle that happened in 1717, followed by countless other miracles, which have been happening every day. In its 300 years of history and miracles, thousands of people have been flocking to this Shrine to thank God for the miracles received by intercession of our beloved Mother Aparecida, the one who welcomes us all with much love and affection.
We also went on to the city of Guaratinguetá, to visit the St. Antonio Sant'Ana Galvão Sanctuary, built to celebrate the first canonized saint born in Brazil, in his city of birth.
“This was a blessed journey. Being at Mother Aparecida's home is like experiencing Heaven on earth. Every day we attended Mass in one of the two Basilicas: the old and the new one. Those were moments of grace, faith, and love invigoration.
We took a ferry ride on the Paraíba River, to the places where the fishermen found the body of the image, first, and then, a few yards down, the head. The guide reminded us that those fishermen, when throwing again the net, caught so many fish that the nets almost broke. Paraíba is a deep and dangerous river. Facing this challenge in a canoe must have required a lot of faith and courage!
For me, this journey was an occasion of Grace and I praise God for so many wonders”. (Sr. Terezinha de Jesus)
Sr. Marta Gomes Pedrosa, sfp
Published: October 23, 2018