Portal:Shrines/Featured/3
< Portal:Shrines | Featured
The Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida in Aparecida, Brazil, is the largest Marian shrine globally, venerating a statue of the Virgin Mary found in 1717 by fishermen. Dedicated in 1980, it draws 6–7 million pilgrims yearly, reflecting Brazil’s 123–140 million Catholics. As the Patroness of Brazil, the basilica’s vibrant cultural expressions, including a museum and festivals, embody the nation’s syncretic faith, making it a cornerstone of South American Catholicism.