The first day of the alvorada of the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo in Mogi das Cruzes unfolded with profound devotion and heartfelt reunions among the faithful. On this Saturday, devotees gathered for prayer at the Império before embarking on a procession through the streets of downtown Mogi das Cruzes, carrying flags and rosaries, a display of their unwavering faith and devotion. The culmination of the celebration saw the volunteers of the festival warmly welcoming the worshippers with the traditional alvorada coffee.
For the next eight days, devotees will assemble at 5 a.m. at Praça Coronel Benedito Almeida, carrying the gifts of the Divino through the city streets. Following tradition, lantern bearers lead the way, illuminating and paving the path for the worshippers.
The bishop of the Diocese of Mogi das Cruzes, Dom Pedro Luiz Stringhini, noted that the first alvorada coincided with the feast of the visitation of Our Lady.
He explained the significance, saying, “May 31st is the day of the visitation of Our Lady. Our Lady, after receiving the announcement from the angel that she would be the mother of Jesus, went to visit her cousin, Santa Isabel. So, with the spirit that the Holy Spirit is also visiting us, the intercession of Our Lady, may the faithful be very welcome to this alvorada that begins today.”
This event represents a pinnacle of devotion, as expressed by the bishop, “This moment demonstrates devotion because that’s all it is. At five in the morning, no one gets up for anything else but to pray, to sing… it’s that most sublime moment, a devotion felt deep in the heart.” Among the devotees is Professor Cleide Aparecida do Prado, who has attended the alvoradas for four years to fulfill a vow. She shared her gratitude, saying, “I always have this promise to come only on the first day, take the lantern, right?! And being here today, walking, managing to make the journey, is a great, great grace. The Divine has worked miracles in my life.”
Filled with faith, the alvorada serves as a gathering moment for devotees to express their affection for each other through hugs.
“It’s affection, it’s love. I’m even emotional. Another year together, thanks to God. It’s a moment to thank the Divine for health, especially for physical and mental health. It’s hard to speak, each one knows what they feel. I have much more to be thankful for than to ask,”
shared retired Rosangela Nagarotto Rosa. Despite his young age, 12-year-old Heitor Ramos is learning the values of donation and sharing through the Divino Espírito Santo. He eagerly assists in serving coffee to the worshippers, stating, “I wake up early. We [him and his father] like to help here.”
As the procession concluded, the faithful were greeted with the traditional alvorada coffee, marking the continuation of this sacred tradition. The event not only symbolizes religious devotion but also serves as a testament to the community’s unity and spirit of togetherness. The Festa do Divino Espírito Santo stands as a cherished cultural heritage that brings people together in faith, love, and celebration.
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