The ceremony of handing over the mantle and throne of the Mother of God marks the beginning of the festivities in honor of the Patroness of Brazil.
Photo: Disclosure/Thiago Leon.
Newsroom (25/09/2024 15:42, Gaudium Press) Next Thursday morning, the 26th, there will be a ceremony to present the mantle and throne of Our Lady of Aparecida, two important symbols of the novena and feast of the Patroness of Brazil.
The event will take place in the Three Fishermen’s Hall, located in the basement of the National Basilica of Aparecida (SP), and is the first milestone of this year’s 2024 festivities dedicated to Mother Aparecida.
Two cloaks will cover the image during this year’s festivities.
Present at the ceremony will be the Redemptorist Missionary, Father Diego Antônio; the Sisters of the Carmel of St. Therese of the Child Jesus; the architect Almir José Neto, responsible for the design of the throne; as well as the woodworkers from the National Shrine, who made it.
In addition to the presentation of the throne, the meeting will unveil the two cloaks covering the facsimile image of the Patroness of Brazil during the festivities in 2024. One of the cloaks will be used during the Afternoon Novena and the other during the Solemn Novena in the evening.
The mantle and throne of Our Lady of Aparecida
Showing care and respect for the figure of Our Lady, the mantle is a symbol of reverence. The first mantle received by the Patroness of Brazil was donated by Princess Isabel, recognizing Our Lady as true royalty.
Since 2010, the Carmelite Sisters of Aparecida have embroidered a different mantle every year. Around seven religious sisters work on this project, which begins a month before the delivery. During the making process, they pray, dedicating a Hail Mary to each stone they apply.
The throne exalts the honor, dignity, and devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida. It is made from the woodwork of the National Shrine. This year’s architectural project was donated by devotee and architect Almir José Neto. This year’s throne combines wood, gilded metal, and flowers. (EPC)
Compiled by Dominic Joseph
