Feast: October 12
Title: Queen and Patroness of Brazil
Apparition and Devotion: 1717, Paraíba River, São Paulo Province, Brazil
I. The Miraculous Discovery
In the year 1717, three humble fishermen—Domingos Garcia, João Alves, and Filipe Pedroso—were sent to fish in the Paraíba River, near the village of Guaratinguetá, to provide for a banquet being held in honor of the visiting Count of Assumar, the Governor of São Paulo and Minas Gerais.
After many fruitless hours, the men prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary, beseeching her intercession that they might not return empty-handed. Casting their nets once more, they brought up the headless clay statue of the Blessed Virgin, darkened by the river’s mud and water. Surprised yet reverent, they cast the net again—and found the missing head of the statue.
When they placed the two parts together, they found the pieces fit perfectly. Then, as they continued to fish, their nets overflowed with fish, so abundant that they could scarcely draw them in. The miracle was clear to all: Our Lady had “appeared” (aparecida in Portuguese), and thus she was named.
II. The Devotion Spreads
The fishermen enshrined the little image in the humble home of Filipe Pedroso, where the faithful began to gather and pray the Rosary. Soon, reports of further miracles multiplied—healings, conversions, and divine favors granted through the intercession of Nossa Senhora Aparecida.
As the devotion grew, a small chapel was built, later replaced by a larger church. By the nineteenth century, the devotion had spread throughout Brazil, and countless pilgrims traveled to venerate the dark clay statue of the Virgin, whose gentle expression seemed to radiate both maternal tenderness and majesty.
III. The Image and Its Symbolism
The image of Our Lady of Aparecida stands about 15 inches tall, made of unglazed terracotta. Time and devotion have darkened the figure, earning her the affectionate title, A Mãe Negra do Brasil—“The Black Mother of Brazil.” She wears a blue mantle studded with stars, often adorned with a crown placed upon her by decree of the Pope.
Her darkened hue has become a profound sign of unity and consolation, especially among Brazil’s poor, enslaved, and marginalized peoples, who see in her a Mother who stands with the lowly, echoing the words of the Magnificat:
“He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble.” (Luke 1:52)
IV. Recognition by the Church
In 1904, Pope St. Pius X authorized the canonical coronation of the statue, crowning her as Queen and Patroness of Brazil.
Later, in 1930, Pope Pius XI officially declared Nossa Senhora Aparecida as Patroness of Brazil.
The great Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, one of the largest Marian shrines in the world, was constructed to accommodate the millions of pilgrims who come each year to honor her.
V. Spiritual Message
Our Lady of Aparecida’s story is one of humility, providence, and maternal care. From a forgotten river and in the hands of poor fishermen, she manifested the mercy of God and the loving protection of His Mother.
Her message echoes the eternal truth of the Gospel:
“Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5)
She reminds all the faithful that divine grace often appears amid simplicity, and that Mary, ever solicitous for her children, reveals herself most tenderly to the lowly and the poor.
VI. Prayer to Our Lady of Aparecida
O Immaculate Virgin, Our Lady Aparecida,
Queen and Patroness of Brazil,
who from the depth of the river didst show forth
as a sign of God’s mercy and love,
look down upon thy children who call upon thee.
Obtain for us the grace of purity, faith, and steadfast trust in thy Son.
Shelter our homes, bless our labors, and guide us ever toward Heaven.
Amen.