CONRAD LOUIS-CHARLES

long term projects: journey of faith

As the largest catholic country, the importance of religion in Brazil is seen in the large numbers of devoted pilgrims traveling long distances to sacred sites and pilgrimage centers. Pilgrims embark on long journeys with anticipation of spiritual renewal and blessings.

Over the years traveling to Brazil and visiting various pilgrimage sites, I became quite drawn to the passion, dedication, and faith of pilgrims. Many would tell their personal stories and reasons for their faith, and traveling long distances. After hearing many moving stories, I began a long term project documenting various pilgrimages in Brazil to show the vital role religion and faith plays in the lives of pilgrims.

For devoted pilgrims, the journey involves a commitment to leave behind problems and focus on their faith and spiritual renewal.

  
  
Pilgrims arriving to a pilgrimage gathering inBom Jesus da Lapa in northern Brazil.
     
  
A pilgrim holding photographs of Jacinta and Francisco. Juazeiro do Norte, BrazilIn 1989, on the 72nd anniversary of the first appearance of Our Lady of Fatima, Pope John II officially recognized and beatified the herioc virtues of Francisco and Jacinta Marto. In late 1917, Jacinta and Francisco received apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria, near Fatima, a city 110 miles north of Lisbon, Portugal.
  
  
     
  
View from the above of an elderly woman praying with her rosary by the entrance of a church in Juazeiro do Norte.
   
  
     
  
A blind pilgrim praying outside of a church.
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
Pilgrims at a mass.
   
Pilgrims gathered at mass to pay tribute to Padre Cicero.
     
  
While praying a young woman tears up at a mass in Juazeiro do Norte.
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
     
  
   
Pilgrims gathered on the last day of a pilgrimage singing and praying.
   
     
  
   
  
A blind elderly woman kneeling at an altar.
     
  
   
  
     
  
Pilgrims in line to pay tribute and pray at the base of the statue of Padre Cicero.