An initiative of the Mary of Nazareth Association December 19 – Holy Mary of Remedies (Portugal) The Virgin who overcomes all evils and ills In the 16th century, the Bishop of Lamego, a small town in northern Portugal, ordered from Rome, the "Holy City," an image of the Virgin Who Remedies All Evils, and placed it in a chapel he had built to replace the old Chapel of Santo Estevao. Afterward, the devotion to Our Lady of Remedies grew in importance. In the 18th century a majestic shrine was build, which is still vibrant and popular today. Every year, from late August to mid-September, the city of Lamego has its annual festival coinciding with the "Pilgrimage of Portugal" in honor of its patron saint, the Virgin Mary. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the shrine during these days of celebration. The "Procession of Triumph" is the most symbolic moment of the entire feast. The enormous float with the statue of Our Lady of Remedies is carried on a cart pulled by oxen, by special permission of the Holy See. In fact Lamego is the only place in the Catholic world where you can see a statue of the Virgin transported by animals. www.visitportugal.com www.mariedenazareth.com Let’s pray together Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.