America News Agency

Brazilian President Lula stated in a social media post that they had prayed in the chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora Aparecida (Our Lady of Aparecida), the patron saint of Brazil. He explained that the statue in the cathedral had been donated to the Filipino people by the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil.

Lula said that the presence of the statue in Manila symbolizes the bonds of friendship, faith and hope between Brazil and the Philippines. He noted that during their visit, they were welcomed by Monsignor Rolando dela Cruz, Rector of Manila Cathedral, and Brazilian Monsignor Guilherme Sanches, who serves at the Apostolic Nunciature in the Philippines.

Lula expressed his hope that Our Lady of Aparecida would strengthen the bonds of peace, solidarity and brotherhood between the peoples of the two countries.