(ZENIT News / Crato, 18.11.2025).- The world’s largest statue dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima was inaugurated on Thursday, November 13, in the city of Crato, Ceará state, Brazil, before thousands of devotees from six Brazilian states.
The majestic 54-meter-tall monument was created by Brazilian artist Ranilson Viana, as reported by ZENIT on September 20. The crown of Our Lady of Fatima symbolizes the royalty of the Mother of God, and the white mantle signifies her purity. The sculptor commented that the statue is taller than Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, which stands at 38 meters.
The solemnity marked the second visit of the original pilgrim image from Portugal, which first arrived in the region 72 years ago. Nearly 100 pilgrimages of the faithful from northeastern Brazil travelled to attend the celebrations. They came from Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Rio Grande do Norte, Bahia, Piauí, as well as various cities in Ceará.
Governor Elmano de Freitas participated in the ceremony, along with the Minister of Education and former governor of the state, Camilo Santana, and other Authorities. In his speech, Governor Freitas emphasized the importance of the work for the people of Cariri: «It is a great joy to be here today in the most Catholic city in Brazil. This image expresses the Marian devotion of the people of Crato and Cariri.»
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
From November 10th to 13th, a gathering focused on spirituality, celebration, and missionary commitment took place during the Diocesan Marian Day, integrated into the Jubilee of Hope. The Diocese of Crato also promoted the visit of the pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fatima, which arrived from Portugal, to parishes, hospitals, and institutions throughout the city of Crato.
The Bishop of the Diocese, Monsignor Magnus Henrique Lopes, OFMCap., declared: «The city of Crato carries, in its soul and in its history, a profound love for the figure of Our Lady. Our Diocese, marked by the spirit of pilgrimages and the richness of popular devotion, finds in this future shrine a new space to nourish and celebrate the faith. The beauty of the image of Our Lady of Fatima invites us to open our hearts and listen, with docility, to the voice of Jesus Christ, who continues to call us to the path of conversion.»
The inaugural celebration included a Mass in front of the giant image, which was blessed. Musical performances followed featuring Sisters Raquel and Patricia, and Father Fabio de Mello, with the great devotion and joy of the people in attendance.
