Venezuelans honor virgin of the valley with prayer and procession
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Hundreds of devotees gathered at the Nuestra Señora del Valle church in Cumaná, Venezuela, on the evening of September 7th to celebrate the Nativity of the Virgin of the Valley, the patron saint of eastern Venezuela.
People spent the evening in prayer, song, and giving thanks for blessings they believe the Virgin has granted. This year’s celebration focused on “Mary, Mother of Solidarity”, emphasizing unity and compassion.
During the vigil, attendees remembered those who died in the earthquake on June 24th with a moment of silence and lit candles in their memory. As midnight approached, the atmosphere shifted from solemnity to joy as people celebrated the Virgin’s birth. People made promises and offered prayers for their families and for the well-being of the state of Sucre.
Priest José Miguel Zapata emphasized the unifying power of devotion to the Virgin and the message of peace associated with the holiday. On September 8th, the celebration continued with a solemn mass, followed by a traditional maritime procession. Fishermen and devotees sailed alongside the image of the Virgin of the Valley in decorated boats, singing and praying as they travelled along the sea.
