Happy Feast

Boa Noite-

The Feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim, Mary's parents, is a big event here in Remanso.  The community here celebrates for the entire weekend and tonight we attended Mass and a procession at Padre Mundo's church.  We were at this church in 2012 also.  

As with everything in Brazil, the Mass didn't start on time because we were waiting for the procession to get back to the church.  We could tell how close they were by the increasing volume of the fireworks.  It was a beautiful procession.  Little girls were dressed as angels, and men carried icons of Our Lady's parents on a bed of flowers.  I have never seen anything like it.  

By the time we reached the middle of Mass, I was frustrated I hadn't been recording the music the choir was singing.  All of it was beautiful and easy to sing.  I'm pretty sure they sang at more times during the Mass than we do in the US, but it was hard to tell given the language barrier.   I did know when to say the Creed and Our Father, though! We had Mass outside because the church couldn't fit all the people from the procession.  It was a beautiful night to be outside, despite the ants biting our feet!  There were little girls sitting in front of us who kept asking questions.  They were persistent, but cute!  Dorinha finally had to tell them we don't understand Portuguese.  By the end of the Mass, they were quick to give hugs and tell us their names.  One of them gave me a flag she carried in the procession. I think her name is Bettania, and she is adorable.  

The night ended with great pizza and Skol!  It was a lot of fun to go out with Mariza, Dorinha, and Racquel.  I have missed them so much since our last visit.  

one little, two little, three little angels...

Sts. Anna and Joachim

More tomorrow. Love to all!!

Jamie