Thousands of Venezuelans gathered Wednesday in Barquisimeto for the annual Divina Pastora procession, honoring a title of the Virgin Mary and praying for peace as the country faces acute political uncertainty following the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
The pilgrimage, which local authorities say draws about 2 million people along a 4-mile route, fell roughly two weeks after the Associated Press reported Maduro’s capture and transfer to the United States on Jan. 3, and subsequent statements by President Donald Trump about a U.S. role in governing Venezuela.
BARQUISIMETO, Venezuela — Thousands of Venezuelans prayed Wednesday for their country’s future during the annual Divina Pastora procession in Barquisimeto, a major Catholic pilgrimage that unfolded against the backdrop of deep political uncertainty following the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
The gathering, which local authorities say draws about 2 million people along a 4-mile (7-kilometer) route, honored Divina Pastora — a title for the Virgin Mary — as the country grappled with abrupt and sweeping changes to its government. According to the Associated Press, Maduro was captured on Jan. 3 in a military operation that transferred him to the United States. President Donald Trump subsequently said he would run Venezuela at least temporarily and tap its vast oil reserves to sell to other nations; Trump also endorsed Delcy Rodríguez as the country’s acting president.
“We pray for our country, because our country truly needs God,” said Miriam Espinoza, a housewife who attended the procession. “May we have peace and may our country return to normalcy.”
An annual pilgrimage, deepened this year
The Divina Pastora procession takes place every January 14. Pilgrims, mostly dressed in white, depart from the Santa Rosa sanctuary and stop at 12 stations along the way before reaching Barquisimeto’s cathedral, about 170 miles (270 kilometers) west of Caracas.
The event is a cornerstone of Catholic identity in Barquisimeto, drawing generations of families into an annual public expression of faith.
Johenny Hernández, a civilian engineer who attended with several of her relatives, described what the procession means to her community. “For us in Barquisimeto, it means everything,” she said. “The Virgin walks with us as we make our way toward Jesus Christ.”
Hernández said she and her brother face health problems that prevented them from walking the entire route, but they attended regardless.
Decades of devotion
For some, the pilgrimage carries a personal history that stretches back years. Clara Castillo said her devotion began 39 years ago, when her son was diagnosed with hemophilia at age 1. She attended Wednesday praying for his continued health and for her country.
“My faith has been there ever since, and for the rest of my days I will ask God to give me the health I need,” she said. “And today I pray for my beloved Venezuela.”