On Friday, August 15, the city of Fortaleza witnessed one of Brazil’s greatest demonstrations of faith: the 23rd annual Walk with Mary.
Organized by the Archdiocese of Fortaleza in Brazil, the event drew more than one million faithful in a public act of devotion to Our Lady of the Assumption, patron saint of the capital of Ceará.
With the theme “We Walk with Mary, Mother of Hope,” the pilgrimage encouraged participants to renew their trust in God amid today’s challenges. Nearly 3,000 volunteers, organized into 30 teams, provided support and infrastructure along the route.
The program began at noon with Holy Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption, celebrated by Archbishop Gregório Paixão, OSB.
At 2 p.m., following the official opening, pilgrims set out from the shrine in the Vila Velha neighborhood in procession toward the esplanade of the Church of Saint Hedwig (Santa Edwiges) in Jacarecanga. For the first time, this site hosted the closing ceremony, offering improved facilities and greater security.
Along the almost seven-mile journey, devotees prayed, sang hymns, and joined in moments of praise. The image of Our Lady of the Assumption was carried on a Federal Highway Police float, while 20 sound trucks and musical trios provided music and announcements for the crowd.
One of the most moving highlights was the “Mantle of Mary”—a nearly 330-foot cloth carried over the faithful along East-West Avenue, symbolizing the Virgin Mary’s intercession and maternal protection.
The closing ceremony included the traditional coronation of the image of Our Lady and, for the first time, musical performances by the Shalom Missionary Ministry and Sister Kelly Patrícia, which ended the evening in a festive and deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Since its creation in 2003, the Walk with Mary has become one of the largest public expressions of faith in Brazil. In 2015, it was officially recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Brazil and has since been included in both the State of Ceará’s official calendar and the municipality’s cultural heritage.
Archbishop Gregório Paixão, OSB, addressed the faithful with these words:
“More than a simple procession, the Walk with Mary is a sign of our living faith—a pilgrimage marked by hope. We walk with Mary to learn from her how to walk with Christ and with our brothers and sisters, especially those who suffer the most.”