The faithful came from all corners of Para to honor the state’s patroness. The feast is considered «Para’s Christmas.» Bishop Jesús María Cizaurre Berdonces, of the Prelature of Cameta, presided over the Mass that opened the event Sunday.
After the Mass, Archbishop Vicente Zico of Belem placed the image of the Blessed Virgin on a cart, which carried it in procession for over six hours.
Devotion to the Blessed Virgin of Nazareth in the Amazon region began in 1700. It became official with the first candle procession in Belem on Sept. 8, 1783. The feast is celebrated annually on the second Sunday of October.
