A delegation from the General Consulate of the Dominican Republic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, participated this Thursday in the mass in tribute to the Virgin Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, protective and spiritual mother of the Dominican people, to celebrate her patronal feast that takes place on held every January 21st.
The Eucharist was officiated by the parish priest Pe. Cesare Ciceri in the parish of Santa Cecília e São Pio X and summoned by the Dominican consul in this city, Roberto Rubio.
During the homily the parish priest Pe. Cesare Ciceri, who belongs to the Missionaries of San Carlos, Scalabrinians whose mission is to help and welcome immigrants, recounted with very emotional and sensitive words the story of the Virgin of La Altagracia and the great meaning it has for Dominicans.
He explained the meaning of the colors of the Dominican Flag and the Shield and made an analogy about the great legacy symbolized by people who love their homeland and represent it in foreign lands.
The parish priest reported that in this church they have more than 100 flags from different countries and that from now on the Flag of the Dominican Republic will be permanently there, thanks to its donation.
While, Consul Roberto Rubio expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome in this solemn parish and the love that can be perceived when being in that holy place, while noting that this will not be the only Dominican activity in the parish, but who will schedule many others in coordination with Father Ciceri to learn more about the important work carried out by the Missionaries of Sao Carlos/Scalabrinians in this wonderful city of Rio de Janeiro, as it is known.
During the mass, the glorious notes of the National Anthems of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Dominican Republic were intoned.
Present at the liturgical act were the vice consuls Santa Rivera Espinal and Gerlin Rosario, the assistant Erika Lozada, the president of the Dominican-Brazilian Chamber, Renata Melo, Dominicans residing in this city, friends and parishioners of the religious congregation.
The Santa Cecília and São Pio X parish is located at 385 Álvaro Ramos Street – in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro.
