Our Lady of Aparecida
Our Lady of Aparecida (Nossa Senhora Aparecida) is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary honoured as the principal patroness of Brazil. The 1717 dark-terracotta statue of the Immaculate Conception, distinguished by its small size and the fact that it was found broken in two pieces, has been venerated since 1745 at the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida in Aparecida, Brazil.
| Our Lady of Aparecida | |
| Feast Day | October 12 |
|---|---|
| Country | Brazil |
| Patronage | Brazil |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida Aparecida, São Paulo |
| Shrine Coordinates | -22.8500, -45.2342 |
| Origin / Discovery | 1717 |
| Proclaimed Patron | July 16, 1930 |
| Canonical Coronation | August 8, 1904 |
| Image Type | Dark terracotta statue |
| Height | 40 cm |
| Attributes | Found broken in two pieces; conical mantle; three successive crowns |
| Associated Countries | |
History
Origin of the image
In October 1717, three fishermen—Domingos Garcia, João Alves, and Filipe Pedroso—cast their nets into the Paraíba River in search of fish for a banquet honouring the passing governor of São Paulo. After repeated failures, they retrieved first the headless body of a small terracotta statue of the Immaculate Conception, followed by the head; thereafter their nets filled abundantly. The statue, darkened by river silt, remained in Filipe Pedroso's family home for years, becoming a focus of private devotion.[1]
Arrival or foundational miracle
The decisive miracle occurred in 1730 when the statue, then kept in a small oratory, reportedly freed a chained slave named Zacarias upon his prayer; the chains fell away, an event documented in early testimonies that dramatically increased public veneration.[1]
Early veneration and first shrine
Devotion grew steadily from the 1730s; a chapel was built in 1745 on the Morro dos Coqueiros hill, marking the first public shrine. Pilgrims arrived from neighbouring regions, and the devotion spread rapidly throughout colonial Brazil.[1]
Role in national history
Pope Pius XI proclaimed Our Lady of Aparecida "Queen and Principal Patroness of Brazil" on 16 July 1930. The Brazilian bishops renewed the national consecration in 1967 and again in 2017 on the 300th anniversary of the finding. The shrine was elevated to minor basilica in 1980 by Pope John Paul II, who visited in 1980; Popes Benedict XVI (2007) and Francis (2013) also honoured the image.[2]
Description of the image
Physical characteristics
The original image is a dark terracotta statue measuring only 40 cm (including crown). It was found in two separate pieces (headless body and head) in 1717 and later joined.[1]
Iconography and style
It represents the Immaculate Conception: the Virgin stands on a crescent moon, hands joined in prayer, wearing a royal mantle studded with stars. The style is typical of 18th-century Brazilian popular Baroque.[1]
Canonical coronation and crown(s)
Canonically crowned by decree of Pope Pius X on 8 December 1904; solemnly crowned on 8 September 1904. A second crown, offered by Princess Isabel in 1888, was replaced by the present diamond-studded crown blessed by Pope St Paul VI in 1967.[1]
Distinctive or symbolic features
The dark colour of the terracotta (deepened by centuries in river silt) has made her the beloved “Black Madonna” of Brazil. The rigid, almost conical form of the mantle and the three successive crowns are instantly recognisable.[1]
Current dressing and presentation
The statue is permanently dressed in an ornate triangular mantle richly embroidered with gold and precious stones, completely covering the original terracotta except for face and hands. The mantle is changed several times a year for major feasts.[1]
Shrines and pilgrimage
Principal shrine
The original image has been venerated since 1745 at the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida in Aparecida, São Paulo—the largest Marian shrine in the world and Brazil's premier pilgrimage site, elevated to minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1980.[1]
Other notable shrines
- Old Basilica of Aparecida – former shrine (1745–1888), now a museum
- Cathedral of Brasília – houses a canonically crowned replica (1980)
Pilgrimage tradition
The national pilgrimage peaks on 12 October, attracting over 2 million faithful in recent years (diocesan figures 2024). Pilgrims walk long distances, many arriving on foot or bicycle; the day features multiple Masses and a solemn procession.
Papal visits and major events
- 1980 – St John Paul II – elevation to basilica
- 2007 – Benedict XVI – opening of CELAM conference
- 2013 – Francis – World Youth Day visit
- 2017 – 300th anniversary celebrations
Patronage and proclamations
National patronage
Our Lady of Aparecida was declared “Queen and Principal Patroness of Brazil” by Pope Pius XI on 16 July 1930. The Brazilian bishops renewed the consecration of the nation to her in 1967 and again in 2017 on the 300th anniversary of the finding of the image.[2]
Other official patronages
- Archdiocese of Aparecida
- Brazilian Navy (co-patroness)
- City of São Paulo (secondary patroness)
Canonical coronation
The original statue was canonically crowned by decree of Pope Pius X on 8 December 1904 (ceremony 8 September 1904). A replica in Brasília Cathedral received a second canonical coronation from St John Paul II on 31 May 1980.
- Portuguese-speaking African countries (especially Angola and Mozambique)
- Brazilian immigrant communities worldwide
Miracles and reported graces
Foundational miracle
In October 1717, three fishermen retrieved the broken statue from the Paraíba River and immediately experienced an abundant catch after many failed attempts—a miracle documented in contemporary testimonies that initiated widespread devotion.[1]
Historically attested favours
- 1730 – liberation of the slave Zacarias from his chains (early records)
- 19th century – numerous healings and protections reported by pilgrims (shrine archives)
Notable modern graces
- Thousands of documented healings and favours received annually (shrine records 2020–2024)
- Intercessions attributed during national challenges and personal crises
Feast day
Principal feast
The feast of Our Lady of Aparecida is celebrated nationwide on October 12. Since 1980 it has been a Brazilian public holiday (Children’s Day and Our Lady of Aparecida Day combined).
National celebrations
More than two million pilgrims fill the basilica and surrounding streets. The day begins with the traditional Dawn Mass, followed by multiple outdoor Masses, a solemn afternoon procession with the original image, and evening fireworks. Television and radio broadcast the events live to the entire country.
Secondary feasts
- 7 October – commemoration of the finding of the statue in 1717 (local triduum in Aparecida)
Devotion and cultural impact
Symbols in national life
Known as the "Queen of Brazil," her image appears on currency, stamps, and public monuments; the colour black associated with her devotion symbolises racial inclusivity.
Artistic and literary presence
- Inspired works by composers Heitor Villa-Lobos and sacred artists
- Featured in Brazilian literature and popular music
Role in crises and reconciliation
During periods of social and political challenge, devotion has fostered unity; the shrine serves as a place of national prayer and renewal.
Prayer
O Virgin of Aparecida,
Mother and Queen of Brazil,
you who appeared in the waters
and filled the nets of humble fishermen,
bless your children with abundance of grace.
Protect our nation, unite our families,
and lead us to your Son.
Amen.
— Approved prayer of the Brazilian Bishops’ Conference
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 "História da Imagem". Santuário Nacional de Aparecida. https://www.a12.com/aparecida/santuario-nacional/historia-da-imagem.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Acta Apostolicae Sedis and papal documents". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/pt/documents/hf_p-vi_apl_19800407_brasile-aparecida.html.