Venezuelans gathered in Barquisimeto, about 170 miles (270 kilometers) west of Caracas, for a major Catholic procession honoring Divina Pastora, a title of the Virgin Mary.
On Wednesday, thousands of people joined the annual pilgrimage on Jan. 14 as they prayed for peace, prosperity and good health during a period of political uncertainty after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on Jan. 3.
AP reported that the procession reflected the uncertainty surrounding Venezuela after a military operation took Maduro to the United States. In comments after the Jan. 3 capture, President Donald Trump said he would run Venezuela at least temporarily and tap Venezuela’s vast oil reserves to sell to other nations. Trump also endorsed Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela’s acting president.
“We pray for our country, because our country truly needs God,” said housewife Miriam Espinoza during the procession. “May we have peace and may our country return to normalcy.”
The pilgrimage departs from the Santa Rosa sanctuary and proceeds through 12 stations before reaching Barquisimeto’s cathedral, with many participants dressed mostly in white. According to local authorities, the procession draws about 2 million people and stretches roughly 4 miles (7 kilometers).
AP described the event as a cornerstone of Catholic identity in Barquisimeto, drawing generations of families into an annual public expression of faith. “For us in Barquisimeto, it means everything,” said Johenny Hernández, a civilian engineer, who attended with several relatives.
Hernández said she and her brother faced health problems that prevented them from walking the whole way, but that they attended anyway and prayed for a speedy recovery. She said, “The Virgin walks with us as we make our way toward Jesus Christ.”
Clara Castillo prayed for her son’s good health and a better future for her country, saying her devotion goes back 39 years to when her son was diagnosed with hemophilia at age 1. “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.”
Hernández and Castillo joined a wider crowd using the procession’s religious focus as a public way to seek stability as the political situation in Venezuela remains in flux.
— Reporting in Barquisimeto; Hernandez reported from Mexico City.