On Sunday, 7th December, the candlelight procession around the historic walls of the castle of Vila Viçosa marked the conclusion of the Novena in preparation for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
Since 29th November, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Conception, national patroness of Portugal, welcomed hundreds of faithful for a period of prayer and spiritual reflection. The novena was presided over by Father Francisco Couto, drawing a large community of pilgrims and devotees to the sanctuary.
The evening culminated in a solemn candlelight procession through the streets and around the ancient castle walls — symbolic guardians of the Marian sanctuary — creating a moment of shared faith and devotion.
As the image of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception returned to the altar, the faithful entrusted their prayers to her maternal protection, on the eve of her feast day celebrated across Portugal.
