Our Lady of El Rocío

Marian vocation of Paranaguá (Paraná)

La devoción a Our Lady of Rocio / Nuestra Señora del Rocío in Paranaguá (state of Paraná, Brazil) is documented at least since the 17th century. The classic historical source is Vieira dos Santos, who mentions the Virgin of the Rocío in the context of a plague of worms that affected the region in 1686, linking the invocation to the plea for protection and help in that crisis. At the same time, local devotion is consolidated and the first works of veneration are lifted, in continuity with the Catholic presence in the port city of Paranaguá.

Main data

Origin and history

La devoción a Our Lady of Rocio / Nuestra Señora del Rocío in Paranaguá (state of Paraná, Brazil) is documented at least since the 17th century. The classic historical source is Vieira dos Santos, who mentions the Virgin of the Rocío in the context of a plague of worms that affected the region in 1686, linking the invocation to the plea for protection and help in that crisis. At the same time, local devotion is consolidated and the first works of veneration are lifted, in continuity with the Catholic presence in the port city of Paranaguá.

According to the popular traditionthe image would have been found by fishermen in the bay of Paranaguá, particularly in the nets of a fisherman known as "Bere," which would mark the beginning of the cult and explain the strong link of this advocation to the sea, fishing and the protection of the sailors. This narrative is transmitted orally and in devotional materials, but does not have contemporary documentation to confirm it in its details, so it is considered a origin legend which accompanies a historically settled devotion since the 17th century.

(The consultation mentions "department of Paraná, Colombia"; this data no consta in the sources and contradicts historical and ecclesial documentation: the advocation described here is the patron of the state of Paraná, Brazil, with center in the city of Paranaguá.)

The image and the sanctuary

The image of Nossa Senhora do Rocio venerated in Paranaguá is a imagen mariana de vestirof a traditional type, associated with the iconography of Mary as a mother and protector of the faithful people. A number of descriptions and photographs show the Virgin with a richly decorated mantle and robe, a royal crown and, often, with the Child Jesus in her arms, following the pattern of many colonial asvocations; however, in the easily accessible sources it is not certain that the material original of the size (wood, etc.) and a detailed technical statement, so on this particular point no consta sufficient documented information.

The main place of worship is the State Sanctuary of Our Lady of Rociolocated in Paranaguá, recognized as the sanctuary of the state of Paraná and the official centre of its patron. The chronicles point to the existence of a first church dedicated to this advocation already in the 17th century, associated with the expansion of devotion since 1686. The present sanctuary is a temple of regional importance, with intense sacramental and pastoral life, designed to host great crowds during the festivities. The sources consulted explicitly present it as State sanctuarybut no consta who has the title of a minor basilica or who has been declared a national sanctuary; his recognition is first and foremost at the level of state/diocesan.

Sponsorship and coronation

Our Lady of Rocio es patrona del Estado de Paraná (Brazil), patronage that is expressed both in the official title of the sanctuary ("State Santuário") and in the proclamation of the feast of November 15 as the day of the patron of the state. The devotion is also very linked to the city of To rejoice, historic port and main center of the celebrations and pilgrimages.

As for the canonical coronationdevotional news insists on the antiquity and relevance of the advocation and its status as State patron, but on the accessible sources (historical, journalistic and Marian dissemination) does not contain a documented canonical coronation with date, pontifical decree or clearly identified papal delegate. Therefore, following the criterion of historical and canonical rigour, it should be indicated: does not contain a documented canonical coronation.

Party and devotion

La main party of Our Lady of Rocio in Paranaguá is celebrated 15 Novemberthe date on which the great procession takes place and the liturgical and popularly commemorates the patron of the state of Paraná. Around that day there is an intense religious programming (masses, novenas, confessions, blessings) and also manifestations of popular religiosity and cultural activities linked to the city and the state.

The devotion is expressed in particular in the and pilgrimages to the sanctuary, with a strong component of popular participation. Catholic press sources point out that in the procession of November 15 they have participated More than 50,000 faithful, on foot or by car, accompanying the image through the streets of Paranaguá. The tradition of finding by fishermen is also reflected in the presence of devotees of the sea, port workers and families linked to fishing and navigation, who come to be entrusted to the protection of the Virgin. Devotion is lived with typical features of Latin American Marian religiosity: promises, vows, songs, use of images and standards, and a strong community and celebrative dimension.

Link to the Rosary

In the sources consulted about Nossa Senhora do Rocio in Paranaguá no consta a specific and specific link of this advocation with some unique practice of Rosary (for example, a historical fellowship of the Rosary explicitly associated with this image, or a particular feast of the Rosary linked to the sanctuary).

However, as in most Marian shrines in Latin America, the rezo of the Holy Rosary It is an ordinary part of devotional life: it is integrated in novies, vigil, pilgrimages and preparations to the feast of November 15, as a way of meditating the mysteries of Christ with Mary and of presenting pleas for the family, the work, the sea and the city. The Rosary, by going through the life of Jesus with the eyes of the Virgin, naturally harmonizes with this advocation that has historically emerged in the context of necessity (plague in 1686) and that continues to be for the people of Paranaguá and Paraná a sign of intercession, protection and Christian hope.