The Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Curitiba experienced a historic and deeply moving moment on June 17 with the arrival of the Pilgrim Icon of the Mother of Perpetual Help, arriving directly from Rome. The visit is part of the celebrations for the 160th anniversary of the sacred icon’s handing over to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (1866–2026). The icon was brought by Brother Fernando Batista, CSsR, and welcomed by a large crowd of faithful who filled the sanctuary to pay homage to the Mother of Perpetual Help. The pilgrim icon will remain at the Shrine of Curitiba, available for veneration by the faithful, until June 27, 2026. It will then return to Rome.
During the reception, Brother Fernando conveyed the message of the Superior General of the Redemptorists, Father Rogério Gomes, CSsR, and emphasized the Congregation’s evangelizing mission through devotion to the Mother of Perpetual Help. In his address, he stated, “I come from Rome on behalf of the Superior General, bringing this icon that represents Our Lady’s visit to Curitiba and all her devotees.” His words moved those present, who accompanied the icon’s arrival with prayers, songs, and expressions of faith.
The Rector of the Shrine, Father Joaquim Parron, CSsR, thanked Brother Fernando for the pilgrimage with the Sacred Icon and expressed his gratitude to the Superior General of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, Father Rogério Gomes, CSsR, for sending his blessings to the Shrine on the occasion of the celebrations of 160 years of Redemptorist presence. The Rector also thanked Pope Leo XIV for the special blessings sent to the devotees of the Mother of Perpetual Help in Curitiba, Brazil.
Recognized as one of the major pilgrimage centers in Southern Brazil, the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help welcomes over 50,000 people each week for Masses, novenas, and celebrations. The site also stands out as an important confessional center, where Redemptorist missionaries assist the faithful daily, totaling over a thousand confessions per week. Currently, the community is composed of six Redemptorists: the rector, Father Joaquim Parron, and his confreres Fathers Chales Coury CSsR, Adriano Franzoi CSsR, José Nazaré CSsR, Rodrigo Castro CSsR, and Brother Andrey Reimer CSsR. The presence of the Pilgrim Icon further strengthens the Redemptorists’ Marian devotion and evangelizing mission among the people of God.
Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
