The Origin of the Devotion

Portuguese colonization began in Belém in 1616, bringing with it the Catholic faith. According to records from Bishop Dom Frei Evangelista, in October 1700, Plácido found a small image on the banks of the Murutucu stream, near the Maranhão road, attached to a branch of a taperebá tree. Inside the image, there was a sewn-in piece of paper with the words: “Our Lady of Nazareth of the Exile.”

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The Miracle of the Disappearance

Plácido took the image home, but the next day it disappeared, only to be found again in the same place where it had originally been discovered. This happened repeatedly, even after attempts by authorities to keep the image in places such as the Government Palace and the Cathedral. Each time, it returned to its original location. As a result, Plácido built a small chapel on the spot, where today the majestic Basilica Sanctuary stands.

The image represents the Mother carrying her Son in her arms, welcoming all of humanity. In Catholic faith, miracles come from God, who acts through the intercession of the Virgin Mary.