The Shrine of Perpetual Help, in the Alto da Glória neighborhood of Curitiba, Brazil, celebrated the feast of its patron saint on Saturday, June 27, concluding the novena in her honor. Over the nine days of celebrations, over 125,000 people took part: more than 100,000 during the novena and approximately 25,000 on the feast day, which featured six solemn masses and the traditional candlelight procession through the neighborhood streets.
This year’s edition had a special significance, celebrating 160 years of public veneration of the icon, entrusted by Pope Pius IX to the Redemptorist missionaries a year earlier, with the mission of making it known to the entire world. A highlight was the presence of the Pilgrim Icon, coming from the shrine in Rome: The Shrine of Curitiba was the only one in Brazil to receive it, displaying it for the veneration of the faithful for the duration of the novena. After the celebrations, the Pilgrim Icon will return to Rome.
“We spent some very beautiful days in the House of the Mother of Perpetual Help,” said Fr. Joaquim Parron, C.Ss.R., rector of the sanctuary. “The presence of the Pilgrim Icon, which came from Rome, made this celebration even more special. I thank all the faithful and devotees who participated in the novena and the celebration, prayed with us, and contributed generously: every gesture helps to maintain the Sanctuary and continue the restoration work of this Sanctuary of the Mother.”
Fabiana Sá
