Pope Francis sent his blessing to Brazil, on the day of Our Lady Aparecida, Patroness of the South American country whose feast day is celebrated this October 12.
“On the feast of Our Lady of Aparecida, I carry her in my heart. I remember so much about that city and the Virgin. May she bless us greatly, may she take care of us, you and all the people of Brazil,” the Holy Father noted in a video published by Vatican News.
“I pray for you, I send you my blessing and, please, pray for me, please, thank you,” added the Pontiff.
Pope Francis visited the Sanctuary of Our Lady Aparecida on 24 July 2013, where he prayed before the image of the Patroness of Brazil, to whom he entrusted the fruits of the World Youth Day in Rio, which was taking place in those days.
In Aparecida, the Holy Father shed some tears of emotion, where he was received by a large crowd.
With that trip, the Pontiff returned after 6 years to the place where he was in May 2007, as president of the commission for drafting the final document of the V General Conference of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopate, chaired by Pope Benedict XVI.