On October 31, the Chapel of Our Lady of Aparecida, located in the Camanducaia do Meio neighborhood of Socorro, in the countryside of São Paulo state, welcomed approximately 120 faithful for an Afternoon of Praise with Mary, marked by heartfelt expressions of faith and devotion to the Blessed Virgin.

The program began at 3:00 p.m. with the welcoming of the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima at the neighborhood’s entrance intersection. Participants then joined a motorcade, during which vehicles and tractors were blessed, symbolizing the entrusting of their daily work and families to Mary’s protection.

Following the image’s arrival at the chapel, Deacon Maurício Reis gave a talk on the history and spiritual significance of the scapular, introducing those present to this traditional expression of Marian devotion. This was followed by the blessing and imposition of the scapulars.

The program continued with the celebration of Holy Mass on the eve of the Solemnity of All Saints, followed by the coronation of Our Lady. In a special tribute, the image of the Blessed Virgin was draped in a mantle similar to the cloak worn by members of the Third Order of the Heralds of the Gospel, also known as tertiaries.

To conclude the pleasant and blessed afternoon, the faithful took part in a beautiful candlelight procession, in an atmosphere of prayer and devotion to the Mother of God.

Photo Credit: Mr. Alcídio Miranda

Faith and Marian devotion mark the Afternoon of Praise in Socorro