Mayor Axel Grael and executive secretary Rodrigo Neves; participating in the celebrationBruno Eduardo Alves/Ascom
Published 04/23/2024 17:40
Niterói – Saint George’s Day, this Tuesday (23), brought thousands of people to the streets of Niterói in demonstrations of faith that prove the popularity and devotion to the warrior saint. The traditional dawn mass at the São Jorge da Cappadocia Chapel, on Rua Dr. Alcides Figueiredo, in the Center, was attended by the mayor, Axel Grael, and hundreds of faithful. Afterwards, he met the former mayor of Niterói and current Executive Secretary, Rodrigo Neves, and they went together to the Eucharistic ceremony held at the 12th Military Police Battalion (BPM) in honor of the saint.
“Saint George’s Day is one of the most celebrated by religious people in our city. It is a great manifestation of devotion and religiosity, which shows the unity of people. I always come to attend mass as a form of admiration and respect for the faith and fraternity of the Niteroienses”, said Mayor Axel Grael.
The Dawn mass at the São Jorge da Cappadocia Chapel started at 6 am and was the first of the day. The stage set up in front of the religious temple hosted more masses that brought together thousands of people, at 8:30 am, 10:30 am and 3 pm. The last mass of the day will begin at 5pm, followed by the traditional procession of the faithful through the streets of the neighborhood.
The former mayor of Niterói and current Executive Secretary, Rodrigo Neves, participated in the traditional Saint George’s Day mass, celebrated by Chaplain Lieutenant Padre Alberto, at the 12th Military Police Battalion. He recalled that this tradition was started under the command of Colonel Marcus Jardim, former municipal secretary of Public Order, now deceased.
“We ask Saint George’s intercession to God for the lives of the police officers, who honor their role of protecting citizens every day, and for all families in Rio de Janeiro. May Saint George, a brave warrior, be an inspiration for us to face our challenges with courage and determination. And may God protect the members of the security forces whose mission is to serve society”, stated Rodrigo Neves.
In the 12th BPM, Grael and Neves accompanied the traditional cavalcade in honor of the saint, who is the patron saint of chivalry. The parade was carried out by officers from the PM’s Mounted Police Regiment.
“Today we celebrate a very popular saint from our church, who we affectionately call a warrior. Today is the family feast. And we are celebrating with the families of the military, to ask for the blessing, courage and perseverance of Saint George. Today we entrust our lives in the hands of Saint George”, celebrated Father Alberto, Chaplain of the Military Police.
