Our Lady of Aparecida also known as (Portuguese: Nossa Senhora Aparecida) is a celebrated 18th-century clay statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the traditional form of the Immaculate Conception. The image is widely venerated by Brazilian Roman Catholics, who consider her as the principal patroness of Brazil. Pious accounts claim that the statue was originally found by fishermen, who miraculously caught many fishes after invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The dark statue is currently housed in the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, Aparecida, São Paulo. The Roman Catholic Church in Brazil celebrates her feast day every October 12. Since the basilica’s consecration 1980 by Pope John Paul II, it has also been a public holiday in Brazil. The Basilica is the fourth most popular Marian shrine in the world, being able to hold up to 45,000 worshippers.

The image has merited the Papal sanction of Pope Pius XI in 1929 by declaring her shrine as a minor Basilica, and by Blessed Pope John Paul II in 1980, who reiterated the patronage of Brazil under the title of the Immaculate Conception.

Like all mothers, Our Lady, has a especial care for Her most fragile and vulnerable smaller children. That’s why in Brazil Our Lady of Aparecida and Children’s Day is celebrated on the same date.

With your support and generosity, Earth Foundation (Fundação Terra), presided by Fr. Airton Freire, will be able to provide professional eye care services to over 200 poor children who have been denied even basic health services.

Promoting health, preventing illness, treating the sick and injured; these are the cornerstones of the health projects run by the Earth Foundation (Fundação Terra).

Help us make a difference to the lives of these poor underprivileged.

Our bank account in London: Fundacao Terra – London, HSBC

Sort Code: 40-06-21, Acc/Number: 02359413