Day 4 of Mission Week
I can definitely say that it was worth the wake up call at five AM in order to bus out to the Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Aparecida Basilica. As we drove into the gates, the view of the beautiful mountains and a dome tower faced us. Thousands of people were there to look at this beautiful place. We started in the market, filled with a huge food court which contained at least twenty food choices (surprisingly McDonald's was there too). There were just as many shops. Mostly the shops were selling religious keep sakes. Every store sold the statue of Saint Aparecida, who is the patron saint of Brazil. I also purchased a beautiful rosary in a soft blue colour for my mom. The shops were lively and beautiful.
I can definitely say that it was worth the wake up call at five AM in order to bus out to the Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Aparecida Basilica. As we drove into the gates, the view of the beautiful mountains and a dome tower faced us. Thousands of people were there to look at this beautiful place. We started in the market, filled with a huge food court which contained at least twenty food choices (surprisingly McDonald's was there too). There were just as many shops. Mostly the shops were selling religious keep sakes. Every store sold the statue of Saint Aparecida, who is the patron saint of Brazil. I also purchased a beautiful rosary in a soft blue colour for my mom. The shops were lively and beautiful.
We also attended Mass at the Basilica. Inside were high ceilings and intricate stain glass windows. It is absolutely beautiful inside. So at noon the procession began and the world could be seen in the rows in front of me and behind me. Though there were also many Brazilians accompanying us, I could see many people wearing the shirts of their country. France, Poland, Columbia, Tobago, America and Canada (Vancouver AND we spotted Edmonton). In the beginning the bishop had asked all the guest priests to introduce themselves. We had Father Patrick Tepoorten who was very proud to represent Vancouver, Canada.
As this missionary week comes quickly to a close, I can't help but feel melancholy. Sao Paolo and our host Parish in Brazil have been so spectacular. Tomorrow will be our last full day with out host families.
Signing off, Stephanie Nguyen and the IC Delta Pilgrims
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