The Madonnina Aparecida is the patron saint of Brazil, venerated with deep devotion. Its history begins in 1717, when three fishermen, desperate for the scarcity of fish, found in the waters of the Paraíba River first the body and then the head of a statue of the Virgin Mary. After reassembling the statue, their nets miraculously filled with fish. This event was interpreted as a divine sign. The statue, dark in color due to mud and time, was called "Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida" (Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Appeared). Its veneration grew exponentially, culminating in the construction of the grandiose Basilica of Aparecida, one of the largest Marian shrines in the world. The feast of the Madonnina Aparecida is celebrated on October 12, the day on which millions of faithful flock to the sanctuary to express their gratitude and ask for intercessions. Its image is a symbol of hope, faith and unity for the Brazilian people.