From Aleteia:
In Venezuela’s central-western Lara state, faith and culture have long moved to the same rhythm. The state’s capital, Barquisimeto, is celebrated nationwide for its musical heritage, its literary tradition, and its reputation as the country’s cultural heartland. But each January 14, those artistic gifts give way to something even more defining: the Procession of the Divina Pastora, one of Latin America’s most significant public expressions of devotion to Our Lady.
Observers described a powerful atmosphere of faith and hope. Attendance was notably high: local media reported crowds possibly approaching 4 million participants, making this one of the largest gatherings in the tradition’s history, even with the current situation in Venezuela. Many pilgrims walked the route praying for personal intentions — health, family unity, and the well-being of the nation.
From Crux Now:
Thousands of Venezuelans prayed for their country on Wednesday. They gathered in a major Catholic procession in Barquisimeto, about 170 miles 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.[scroll for more:]
“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.”