Our Lady of Aparecida is a central figure in the Catholic faith in Brazil. Her story begins in 1717, when three fishermen — Domingos Garcia, João Alves, and Filipe Pedroso — found, in the Paraíba do Sul River, first the body and then the head of a statue of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. After the discovery, their fishing became abundant, and the event was considered a miracle.

Recognized as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Aparecida, devotion to her grew rapidly. In 1930, she was proclaimed the Patroness of Brazil by Pope Pius XI.

Depicted as a Black Madonna, Our Lady of Aparecida holds deep spiritual significance for millions of Brazilians, especially within the Afro-Brazilian community.

The Feast of Our Lady of Aparecida, celebrated on October 12th, is one of the largest religious events in the country, attracting millions of pilgrims to the Basilica of Aparecida in São Paulo. Her story is marked by faith, miracles, and profound cultural and religious importance for Brazil.