Baependi (MG) is preparing to receive thousands of pilgrims in one of the biggest religious events in the south of Minas. The traditional Feast of the Blessed Francisca de Paula de Jesus, Nhá Chica, is expected to attract around 20 thousand faithful to the municipality, according to city hall estimates. This year's celebration has a special meaning for devotees. In 2026, the party commemorates the 131st anniversary of Nhá Chica's death, which occurred on June 14, 1895. Recognized by the Catholic Church for her life dedicated to prayer, charity and welcoming the poorest, the blessed continues to organize pilgrimages from different regions of Minas Gerais and other states. The religious program began on June 5th with the traditional novena and continues until Sunday (14th), the date on which the Church celebrates the liturgical memory of the blessed. During the festival days, the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Sanctuary becomes a meeting point for devotees who arrive to thank the graces achieved, make requests and participate in the celebrations. This year, the theme chosen to lead the reflections is "Beata Nhá Chica, servant of reconciliation and peace", inspired by the biblical passage "Blessed are those who promote peace" (Mt 5,9). The proposal is to highlight the legacy left by the nun, known for her simplicity, listening and helping those most in need. Nhá Chica Lucas Magalhães Canonization process continues Nhá Chica was beatified on May 4, 2013, during a historic ceremony held in Baependi and attended by thousands of people. Since then, June 14th has been officially celebrated by the Catholic Church as its liturgical memory. The process for her to be recognized as a saint continues in progress at the Vatican. For canonization, recognition of a second miracle attributed to his intercession is necessary. Therefore, the sanctuary maintains permanent work to welcome and record reports of graces received by devotees who visit the place throughout the year. The expectation of the sanctuary administration is that the flow of visitors will increase significantly during the weekend, especially on Sunday, when the traditional luminous procession takes place through the city's streets. World Cup enters the party schedule The 2026 edition will have a coincidence that promises to attract even more attention from pilgrims. The main weekend of the party takes place precisely during the Brazilian team's debut at the World Cup. To allow visitors to follow the match without leaving the celebration environment, the organizers prepared a screen in the Festa do Romeiro area. The game will be broadcast live at 7pm this Saturday (13th), right after the solemn mass presided over by Dom Ricardo Hoepers, secretary general of the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB). The expectation is to gather hundreds of people in front of the screen, in a moment that should mix devotion, fraternization and support for Brazil. The broadcast is part of the event's social program, which also features stalls and musical performances. Check out the main schedule Saturday (13) 10am – Holy Mass with Father Noel Vítor Gonzaga; 11am – Opening of the Romeiro Festival stalls; 5pm – Holy Solemn Mass with Dom Ricardo Hoepers, general secretary of CNBB; 7pm – Broadcast of Brazil’s first game in the World Cup; 9pm – Live show. Sunday (14) – Nhá Chica Day 6am – Festive dawn and Holy Mass; 9am – Holy Mass; 11am – Holy Mass; 5pm – Bright procession through the streets of Baependi, followed by a celebration presided over by Dom Walter Jorge Pinto, bishop of the Diocese of Campanha. Service Location: Nossa Senhora da Conceição Sanctuary Address: Rua da Conceição, 165, Centro, Baependi (MG) Lucas Soares brings what was highlighted this week on g1 Sul de Minas