Recife, Brazil – July 2024 - Last Saturday, 6 July, the Catholic community gathered with great devotion to begin the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Patroness of Recife, with the first day of the novena in her honour. The programme, which lasted the whole day, ended with the Solemn Novena, led by Fr Valdomiro José de Lima, O. Carm., and with the prayer of Fr Francisco Inácio Vieira Junior, SDB, Superior of the Salesian St Aloysius Gonzaga Province of Recife, Brazil (BRE). Under the theme "On pilfrimage with us in  fidelity  your ‘Yes’", the celebration stressed the importance of faith and commitment, following the example of Our Lady of Carmel, patroness of religious communities. For many believers this first day of the novena was a time of renewal of faith and devotion to the Virgin Mary. The  event programme will last until 16 July and is marked by the celebration of 100 masses which will take place in the Basilica of Carmel, in the church of the Third Order of Carmel and in the Convent cloister; in addition to cultural programming.