Pope sends blessing to Brazilians in Belém do Pará ahead of Marian feast

By Vatican News staff writer

To mark the 230th Cirio of Nazareth, Pope Francis has sent an Apostolic Blessing to Archbishop Alberto Taveira Corrêa of Belém do Pará in Brazil.

Signed by the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, on behalf of the Holy Father, the note reads that the Pope "wishes to unite himself to the filial devotion of the faithful who have recourse to Our Lady of Nazareth, placing under her loving mantle and maternal protection the intentions they carry in their hearts."

Feast of Our Lady

The Círio de Nazaré festival in Belém honours Our Lady of Nazareth.

On the second Sunday of October, a wooden image of Our Lady is carried in one of the world's largest processions from Sé Cathedral to Sanctuary Square. Vast numbers travel from across Brazil to attend the festival.

With his gaze turned towards the Patroness of the Archdiocese of Belém do Pará and Queen of Amazonia, Pope Francis reminds everyone that "Mary treasured up all things, pondering them in her heart", and at the same time implores that, as Mother and Teacher, "she may help us to treasure and ponder everything, without fearing trials, in the joyful certainty that the Lord is faithful and knows how to transform crosses into resurrections."

Finally, the Pope "implores the Virgin Mother of Love to intercede with her Son so that abundant graces may be poured out on the people of Pará and Brazil, to help each and every person to live the Gospel."

As a pledge of these wishes, the Holy Father willingly imparts the Apostolic Blessing, asking the faithful of Brazil not to cease praying for him.