A Symbol of Faith Returns: The Historic Cross’s Journey Through Brazil

Marking 525 years as the first Mass in Brazil, the original cross used in that pivotal ceremony has embarked on a significant pilgrimage across the nation. Originating from Portugal, this relic is now traversing approximately twenty cities, aiming to reinforce Catholic faith and ancient memory within the country.

São Paulo: The Pilgrimage Begins

The Metropolitan cathedral of São Paulo served as the initial point of veneration, where Archbishop Cardinal Odilo Scherer conducted a special Mass. Following the service, a procession carried the cross to the ‘Pátio do Colégio,’ a site of immense historical importance as the foundational location of São Paulo. This location marks where the city’s first structure, a centre dedicated to the evangelization of indigenous populations, was erected.

It is a very special moment… the cross represents a grate experience of faith around love and hope.

Omar Raposo, rector of the Sanctuary of the redeemer

Omar Raposo, the rector of the Sanctuary of the redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, emphasized the pilgrimage’s purpose: to consolidate the catholic Church’s presence in Brazil, strengthen the collective memory, and broaden the spiritual experience for congregations and dioceses nationwide.

Extending Beyond the Church: Industry and Government Embrace the Relic

The veneration extends beyond religious institutions. the cross is scheduled to visit the Federation of Industries of the State of São paulo (FIESP), a major employer in Brazil, and the Regional Legislative Assembly.The Governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas, will also host an official reception for the cross at the Palácio dos Bandeirantes, the seat of the state’s government.

A Path Across States: From São Paulo to Bahia

The journey continues to the Sanctuary of Our Lady aparecida, a central point of Brazilian Catholic devotion, and will extend through the end of April, encompassing the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Pará, Brasília, and Bahia. This timeline coincides with Holy Week, amplifying the pilgrimage’s spiritual significance.

Culmination at Vermelha Coroa: Reconnecting with History

The pilgrimage will conclude at Vermelha Coroa beach in Santa Cruz Cabrália. This is the very location where Pedro Álvares Cabral and his fleet first landed on April 22, 1500, marking the Portuguese arrival in Brazil. Four days later, the first Catholic Mass on Brazilian soil was celebrated at this site, using the same cross that has now returned from the treasure-museum of the Cathedral of braga in Portugal.

Catholicism in Brazil: A Shifting Landscape

Brazil remains one of the countries with the largest Catholic populations globally. However, recent years have witnessed a rise in evangelical movements, presenting a dynamic shift in the nation’s religious landscape. According to a recent study by the Pew research Center, while Catholicism still holds a majority, the percentage of Brazilians identifying as Catholic has decreased from 90% in the 1970s to approximately 64% today. This pilgrimage serves as a powerful reminder of the historical roots of Catholicism in Brazil and an effort to reaffirm its enduring presence.