Placido's House
Placido´s House is a place to welcome pilgrims who
come to pay promises and seek spiritual renewal, especially in Nazareth Círio
time. The site still welcomes tourists who want to know about the religious
manifestation.
Placido’s
House was designed by the Rector of the Basilica of Nazareth Shrine, Father José Ramos das Mercês. This welcoming
place was opened in 2009, on the day of Pentecost, May 31, which also marked
the third anniversary of the Basilica and Shrine of the Amazon Queen.
The house
survives by donations from devotees and needs mainly of first aid supplies, food
and mineral water. The mining Lara Rezende, military reservation, 68, was
distributing food to pilgrims along the roads for many years and for the sixth
year in a row, started to hand them in Plácido’s house. The paid professionals are
the health and those who work in the kitchen. There are still volunteer team,
which is the host, distributes water, makes accreditation, cleaning. The house
does not work on the Cirio. After Cirio, all weekends Placido’s House receive the
pilgrims coming to other pilgrimages.
Interviews:
- "In the Círio, and also throughout the year, Placido´s House will be a place to welcome with dignity and give comfort to the pilgrims who come to thank, ask thanks and honor the Virgin Patron. Thus, will be able to take care of some illness, bathing in order to return to their place of origin.'' said Father Ramos.
- ''Throughout the month of Círio is made specific care of the pilgrims. We offer medical, food service and rest without it can stay overnight because we do not have rooms and beds. Only mats to rest for a while and then have to go, because we receive a lot of people. In the other months, we offer space for meetings and lectures, to guarantee income and maintain the site.'' explains Jane Jacques, attendant on Placido's house.
- "We do not use more plastic bowls in the washing of feet. The news is a ramp of stainless steel, with running water where the pilgrim puts his feet while sitting in a chair. Then we give him the used towel (which was given) to take as a reminder of their faith." said Margarida Teixeira.
by Ana Paula C. Reis
