More than 36 thousand pilgrims were served in the orientation tents installed on Via Dutra by the RioSP concessionaire, a Motiva group company, from last Monday (6) until this Saturday morning (11). According to Motiva, on the Rota da Luz alone, 1,519 pilgrims passed through the four tents set up between Pindamonhangaba and Aparecida. 
The installation of the tents is part of the Safe Pilgrimage Project 2025, with several actions to raise awareness and safety of pilgrims who use the Via Dutra to reach the National Sanctuary of Aparecida, during the holiday period in honor of the patron saint of Brazil.
In total, there are 23 guidance points in strategic locations on Via Dutra (between Arujá and Resende), mainly close to walkways, and on Rota da Luz, between Pindamonhangaba and Aparecida. Teams are available 24 hours a day, providing information and safety tips, especially on the path pedestrians and cyclists should follow.
In addition, pilgrims are using the rest points, which have chairs, totems for charging cell phones, bathrooms, and also receive safety items, such as vests and reflective stickers, and water.
Guidelines
Pilgrims who walk to Aparecida are advised to always walk along the road in the opposite direction to the flow of vehicles and walk in single file. Additionally, pedestrians should avoid the highway at night. If you choose to walk at night, you should wear light clothing and reflective items. In case of rain, the advice is to interrupt the walk and take shelter in a safe place, such as service stations and service bases. Cyclists must cycle in the same direction of the road, in accordance with traffic legislation.
Drivers are advised to pay extra attention during this period.reducing speed, paying attention to the entrances and exits of the highway, when accessing service stations or local roads, being careful when overtaking even in permitted places, not accompanying pilgrims who are walking with a vehicle. Support vehicles must park at service stations or areas away from the highway and never on the shoulder.
Sanctuary
At the National Sanctuary of Aparecida, the program began at 5:30 am, with the ringing of the bells, followed by a mass at 6 am. Masses take place throughout the day, with breaks for ceremonies such as the School of Mary, the Welcome at the central altar and the Afternoon Novena. At night, the Solemn Novena, the Memory Procession for the São Geraldo Chapel and the Mariana Vigil take place.
The Marian Vigil continues in the early hours of Sunday (12) and at 4:45 am the Ringing of the Bells takes place, followed by the first mass of the day, which takes place with masses between the intervals of the School of Mary, Solemn Mass, a new Ringing of the Bells, followed by the Children’s Mass.
At 3pm the Solemn Consecration takes place in the Historic Basilica. At 6pm, the faithful can attend the Closing Mass, and then participate in the Solemn Procession that ends with a pyrotechnic show.
Since Friday (10), access to the National Sanctuary and the visit to the Original Image of Our Lady of Aparecida remains open 24 hours a day, until the end of the festivities. The objective is to welcome the thousands of pilgrims who arrive from all over Brazil to pay homage to Mother Aparecida.
Blessings Duty
During the 11th and 12th of October, the religious Redemptorist Missionaries intensify their welcome to devotees in the Room of Promises, with the Blessings Service at two times, 8am to 11am and 2pm to 5pm. The space that already receives objects of devotion is also dedicated to listening, blessings and thanksgiving, reinforcing the spirituality and welcoming of the National Sanctuary.
All celebrations can be followed by Rede Aparecida de Comunicação, through TV and Radio Aparecida, as well as through Portal A12 and social networks of the National Sanctuary.
