Salvador da Bahia Mission: Feliz Ano Novo do Brazil!

Feliz ano novo from the community of St. John! It was such a blessing to ring in the new year surrounded by friends in Brazil. New years eve we had a special Mass which was well attended by the community of Santo Antonio and a few familiar faces from Alto. Mass was followed by a beautiful adoration. It was such a beautiful and prayerful way to ring in a fresh year. The evening was ended with music, dancing, food, and fellowship downstairs.

Fireworks over the bay seen from Santo Antonio

Archbishop Murilo of the Archdiocese of Salvador

This week a special Mass was held on the futebol court in Alto, and was celebrated with the bishop of Brazil and our own priests of the community of St. John. The Mass was one imploring peace for the community of Alto in particular and the entire city of Salvador.

Two of the recent first communicants carrying up the gifts.

In the spirit of imploring peace, this Sunday the missionaries and about 60 parishioners at Alto in Alto walked around 10 km to the basilica of Bomfim. With our matching tshirts and a large van carrying some of the oldest and youngest parishioners and a large speaker hooked directly into an acoustic guitar, we sang, danced, and walked out way to the famous pilgrimage site. We were rewarded with a beautiful and charismatic Mass with the sun setting over the city.

On our way down to the Bay while the boys carry the Shrine to Mary

Posing for a group photo with Irma Dulce

Standing room only in Mass

A little history on the Church of Bomfim. . . It was constructed in the 18th century on the Itapagipe Peninsula on the highest peak. The church was commissioned by a rich Portuguese noble in Thanksgiving to Our Lady for a safe voyage through a massive storm. Nosso Senhor do Bomfim (Our Lord of Good End) is a large pilgrimage site in Brazil, especially the Bahia region, having been the site of numerous miracles of healing.

Last but certainly not least in my book, my parents came to visit for the week. They stayed nearby which enabled me to show them around and experience Salvador as a tourist. Here are some of the beautiful pictures my Mom snapped on our outings.