Parish of Our Lady of Aparecida (Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia)
| Paróquia Nossa Senhora Aparecida | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Our Lady of Aparecida |
| Venerated Saints: | None specified |
| Diocese: | Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia |
| Deanery: | |
| Address: | Rua das Araras, 1210, Imbuí, Salvador, BA 41720-010 |
| Coordinates: | -12.7025, -38.3250 |
| City: | Salvador, BA |
| Subdivision: | Bahia |
| Country: | Brazil |
| County: | |
| Website: | https://nossasenhoraaparecida.org.br/ |
| Founded: | 1999 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | secretaria@nossasenhoraaparecida.org.br |
Paróquia Nossa Senhora Aparecida (Parish of Our Lady of Aparecida), also known as Santuário Arquidiocesano Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida, is a territorial parish and archdiocesan shrine in the Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia, located in the Imbuí neighborhood of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title "Nossa Senhora Aparecida" (Our Lady of Aparecida)—the principal patroness of Brazil, whose image was miraculously recovered from the Paraíba River in 1717—the parish serves as a significant center of Marian devotion in the archdiocese.
Established as a parish in 1999 and elevated to archdiocesan shrine status in 2017, it reflects the widespread Brazilian veneration of the national patroness. The church building dates from the late twentieth century. As of December 15, 2025, the parish-shrine hosts major celebrations on October 12, drawing numerous faithful for novenas, Masses, and processions in honor of Our Lady of Aparecida.
The community fosters Eucharistic and Marian spirituality, with ministries supporting faith formation and charitable outreach.
History
The devotion in the Imbuí area developed in the late twentieth century amid urban growth, leading to the canonical erection of Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida in 1999.[1]
In recognition of its growing role as a place of pilgrimage and graces received, the parish was elevated to Santuário Arquidiocesano Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida on October 12, 2017, by Archbishop Dom Murilo Sebastião Ramos Krieger.[2]
The shrine has since become a key site for devotion to Brazil's patroness in Salvador, hosting large annual festivities.
Special features
- Annual feast of Our Lady of Aparecida on October 12, with novenas, Masses, processions, and cultural expressions drawing thousands
- Status as archdiocesan shrine, serving as a pilgrimage site for graces and thanksgiving
- Promotion of national Brazilian Marian devotion in the context of Bahian Catholicism
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar contains deposited relics, as is customary in dedicated churches. Specific details regarding the saints associated with these relics are not publicly documented in available sources. This follows common practice where first-class relics, often of martyrs, are sealed within the altar.
Architecture
The church building, constructed in the late twentieth century, features contemporary design suited to large gatherings and pilgrimage activities.
Art and devotional features
The central devotional image is a representation of Our Lady of Aparecida, evoking the original statue venerated at the national shrine in Aparecida, São Paulo.
Specific details on additional stained glass, sculptures, or artwork are limited in publicly available sources.
Related parishes
References
- ↑ "Festa de Nossa Senhora Aparecida reuniu multidão no Santuário dedicado à Padroeira do Brasil, em Salvador". Arquidiocese de São Salvador da Bahia. October 13, 2025. https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/festa-de-nossa-senhora-aparecida-reuniu-multidao-no-santuario-dedicado-a-padroeira-do-brasil-em-salvador/.
- ↑ "Paróquia do Imbuí foi elevada à Santuário Arquidiocesano Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida". Arquidiocese de São Salvador da Bahia. October 25, 2017. https://arquidiocesesalvador.org.br/paroquia-do-imbui-foi-elevada-a-santuario-arquidiocesano-nossa-senhora-da-conceicao-aparecida/.