(12 Jun 1998) Portuguese/Nat
Thousands of Catholics gathered in the streets of Rio de Janeiro on Thursday to celebrate one of the most popular events of their calender - Corpus Christi.
The day traditionally commemorates the passion, the death and the resurrection of Christ.
But this year's procession also included prayers to combat Brazil's endemic violence, rising unemployment and of course for the country's World Cup team.
In Brazil, the largest Catholic country in the world, the day of "Corpus Christi" is an official bank holiday.
Thousands of enthusiastic Brazilians filled the streets of downtown Rio de Janeiro to celebrate.
People gathered at the famous "Candelaria Christi" church before beginning the traditional procession.
From all walks of life, devotees joined together to sing hymns, while waiting for the procession to begin officially.
Later in the afternoon, the Vicar of Rio de Janeiro, Dom Augusto Zini and the Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, Dom Eugenio Salles, left the church to join the crowd.
The carriage in which the Archbishop travelled was made in 1953 - the first procession of the image of "The Lady Fatima" the patron saint of Rio.
The procession included ten religious orders and other Catholic associations.
Devotees, many of whom have been following the procession for years, headed towards Rio's city Cathedral, singing hymns along the way.
SOUNDBITE: (Portuguese)
"Q. Did you get any grace from the Lord?
A. Many graces, you know? I have a lot of health, that God always gives to me until now, with God willing. I am 72 you know? And I have a lot of health, thank God. That's the grace he gives to me, you know?"
SUPER CAPTION: Judith Gomes da Cunha
For many Catholics, participating in the procession is a way of asking for blessings and demonstrating their faith.
SOUNDBITE: (Portuguese)
" I am the vice-president of the Honour Guard of the procession. We the ladies, worship Jesus, the sacred sacrament, during the day at the Saint Ana church. Men worship him at night."
SUPER CAPTION: Olindina Pereira
During the procession, Catholics leaders instigated prayers against violence, unemployment and of course - for Brazil's football team.
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