Virgin Mary procession draws thousands as Venezuela faces uncertain future

BARQUISIMETO, Venezuela (AP) — Thousands of Venezuelans prayed for their country on Wednesday.

They gathered in a major Catholic procession in Barquisimeto, about 170 miles (270 kilometers) west of Caracas, to honor Divina Pastora, a title for the Virgin Mary.

The longing for peace, prosperity and good health comes during a time of political uncertainty following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on Jan. 3.

After a military operation that took Maduro to the United States, President Donald Trump said that he would run Venezuela at least temporarily and tap its vast oil reserves to sell to other nations. Trump has endorsed Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela’s acting president.

“We pray for our country, because our country truly needs God,” said housewife Miriam Espinoza during Wednesday’s procession. “May we have peace and may our country return to normalcy.”

The pilgrimage honoring the Divina Pastora takes place every Jan. 14. According to local authorities, the procession draws about 2 million people and stretches roughly 4 miles (7 kilometers).

Mostly dressed in white, pilgrims depart from the Santa Rosa sanctuary and stop at 12 stations along the way before reaching Barquisimeto’s cathedral.

The procession is a cornerstone of Catholic identity in Barquisimeto, drawing generations of families into an annual public expression of faith.

“For us in Barquisimeto, it means everything,” said Johenny Hernández, a civilian engineer who attended the event with several of her relatives. “The Virgin walks with us as we make our way toward Jesus Christ.”

She said she and her brother face health problems that prevented them from walking the whole way. But they decided to attend anyway, praying for a speedy recovery.

Clara Castillo also prayed for her son’s good health and a better future for her country. She said her devotion goes back 39 years, when her son was diagnosed with hemophilia at age 1.

“My faith has been there ever since, and for the rest of my days I will ask God to give me the health I need,” she said. “And today I pray for my beloved Venezuela.”

Hernández reported from Mexico City.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.