Cities that celebrate their devotion to the Virgin Mary under the invocation of the Assumption of the Mother of God observe the 15th as a holiday. Here in Jundiaí, we call her Our Lady of the Exile, and the municipality is shut down for the Eucharistic Celebrations of the day.
But why the Exile?
This Marian reference is a title for the moment when the Holy Family had to flee to Egypt (exile means flight). It is a reminder that the founders of the Village of Jundiahy, Petronilha Antunes and Rafael de Oliveira, were fleeing from São Paulo de Piratininga and stayed here. Because of this situation, they turned to Mary, Our Lady of the Exile.
On this day, let us remember those who flee from persecution, the victims of wars and social injustices. And, of course, for all of our city and Diocese.
- Our Lady of the Exile, pray for us!