More than 4.2 million pilgrims participated this year in the traditional pilgrimage to the Divine Eternal Father in Trindade, Goiás, Brazil, reaffirming its place as one of the nation’s greatest expressions of faith. From June 26 to July 5, the faithful traveled to the Basilica Shrine of the Divine Eternal Father to give thanks and present their intentions.
This devotion uniquely focuses on God the Father, rather than a saint or Marian title. “I come out of an awareness of the Father’s fatherhood, of the Father’s love for us and all people,” shared one pilgrim with EWTN Noticias. The pilgrimage dates back to the 1840s, when a peasant couple discovered a medallion depicting the Holy Trinity crowning the Virgin Mary.
Highlights included a candlelight procession where thousands walked with lit candles as the image of the Divine Eternal Father was carried on a cart adorned with red flowers. A pilgrim overcoming a leg ailment rejoiced: “After six years, I am walking again. Long live the Divine Eternal Father!”
The theme “We Cry Out: Abba, Father!” emphasized the rural identity of Brazil’s central region. Archbishop João Justino of Goiânia reminded attendees: “We are not beloved children because we have been good; we are called to be good because we are beloved children.”
