Our
Lady
of the Port
Patroness of Morretes
Since 1849, the Feast of our Patroness has been held on September 8, the date on which the Nativity of Our Lady is celebrated.
In preparation for the Feast, novenas are held and, on the day of the Feast, a solemn mass is celebrated. At the end of the mass, there is a celebration which includes a salad buffet, risotto, desserts and a traditional barbecue, followed by the famous bingo.
At 6 PM, the Procession begins with the statue of Our Lady adorned with local orchids. The streets of the procession route also get decorated with flowers, alongside images of Jesus and His Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
History of the Church of
Our Lady
of the Port
The Church of Our Lady of the Port has a very interesting history. The first chapel was inaugurated on July 15, 1769, by the priest of Paranaguá, Father Francisco Meira, with Our Lady of the Port and the Child God as its patrons.
Around 1812, the construction of the current Church began at the exact same site as the original chapel and on one of the highest points in the town.
During a procession in 1849, the image of Our Lady of the Port, the patroness of the village, fell from its float and shattered into pieces, causing deep sorrow among the faithful.
In the same year, with the help of the parishioners, a new image was commissioned from Bahia. This image, carved in jacaranda wood and covered with plaster, remains in the church to this day.
The church was finally inaugurated in 1850 and was named the Church of Our Lady of the Port, Patroness of the Village. The Feast of the Patroness is held on September 8, the date on which the Nativity of Our Lady is celebrated.
Inside the church, we find the oil-painted Via Sacra.
This work was completed by a famous painter from Morretes, Theodoro De Bona, at the request of Father Walter Zimowski, the parish priest at the time. When Father Walter had to leave the parish and return to Germany due to health issues, the painter honored him by depicting him on the left side of the 14th station. The artist also included himself in the 12th station. The 14 paintings of the Via Sacra were installed in the Church of Our Lady of the Port in 1978.
The church tower houses clocks that have been operating since its inauguration. The original bell, brought from Portugal with the Imperial coat of arms and cast in 1854, was damaged and replaced. It is now installed in front of the church where you will also find a cross dating from December 31, 1900 to commemorate the turn of the century.
Way of the Cross
XII Station
TWELFTH STATION: JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
We adore You, Lord Jesus Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy Cross You redeemed the world. Jesus dies on the Cross, “everything is finished”, the Beloved Son of the Father fulfilled His mission, was obedient until death, and death on the Cross.
Self-portrait: Theodoro de Bona
Way of the Cross
XIV Station
FOURTEENTH STATION:
JESUS IS PLACED IN THE TOMB
We adore You, Lord Jesus Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy Cross You redeemed the world.
The Son of God, having fulfilled His mission in obedience to the Father, is placed in the tomb. The pain of those who loved Him was great.
Tribute to Father Walter
Historical symbols
"Jesus Christus homo Deus vinit regnut imperal"
Jesus Christ, the son of God, came and reigned supreme
19th century cross
Bell bearing the Imperial coat of arms
Religious Calendar
Mass
Wednesday - 7:30pm
Saturday - 7:30 pm
Sunday - 7:30 pm
Feast of Our Lady of Port
September 8th is a very special date for the city of Morretes as it marks the celebration of the local patron saint, Our Lady of Port.
The festivities in honor of the patron saint take place with a series of activities throughout the day.
Feast of the Holy Spirit
The Feast of the Holy Spirit is one of the oldest and most widespread traditions of Brazilian popular Catholicism. The origin of the celebrations is linked to the date of Pentecost, celebrated fifty days after Easter.
Sources:
Our Lady of Port Parish
www.triaquimmalucelli.blogspot.com
www.victortrotamundo.vordpress.com
www.portallitoraldoparana.com.br/morretes-igrejas
Collection of Éric Joubert Hunzicker
Our Lady of Port Parish
Diocese of Paranaguá
Priest Luiz Gonzaga Peres
Morretes, PR
Coronel Modesto Street
Morretes, PR, Brazil
(41) 3462-1368
igrejamatrizmorretes@gmail.com
