Penha Convent (

Portuguese Portuguese may refer to: * anything of, from, or related to the country and nation of Portugal ** Portuguese cuisine, traditional foods ** Portuguese language, a Romance language *** Portuguese dialects, variants of the Portuguese language ** Portu ...

: Convento da Penha) is a

convent A convent is a community of monks, nuns, religious brothers or, sisters or priests. Alternatively, ''convent'' means the building used by the community. The word is particularly used in the Catholic Church, Lutheran churches, and the Anglican ...

Vila Velha Vila Velha (; Portuguese for "Old Village") is a coastal city in Espírito Santo, Brazil. It lies across from Vitória, the state capital. Its population was 501,325 (2020) and its area is 210.23 km². Location Vila Velha forms part of th ...

Brazil Brazil ( pt, Brasil; ), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: ), is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At and with over 217 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area ...

, on the top of a high mountain overlooking the cities of Vitória and

. Founded in approximately 1558 by Pedro Palácios, today it is home to

Espírito Santo Espírito Santo (, , ; ) is a state in southeastern Brazil. Its capital is Vitória, and its largest city is Serra. With an extensive coastline, the state hosts some of the country's main ports, and its beaches are significant tourist attra ...

Patron Saint A patron saint, patroness saint, patron hallow or heavenly protector is a saint who in Catholicism, Anglicanism, or Eastern Orthodoxy is regarded as the heavenly advocate of a nation, place, craft, activity, class, clan, family, or perso ...

, Our Mother of Penha. Many believers make

pilgrimages A pilgrimage is a journey, often into an unknown or foreign place, where a person goes in search of new or expanded meaning about their self, others, nature, or a higher good, through the experience. It can lead to a personal transformation, aft ...

to this site which is surrounded by a green haven of forest. Due to its location between two large urban areas, it is also a very much sought-after leisure spot on weekends and holidays. It is considered one of the main tourist attractions of the Brazilian Southeast state of

. Every year, there is an important celebration to the Saint. Where believers dedicate their miles praying and thanking the Saint. Some have traveled from all over Brazil in order to get there. The men usually start their walk from the Capital Vitoria and finish at the Convent in Vila Velha. The women also pay their respects and walk from the closest Church (Santuario) up to the Convent. Inside the Convent there are millions of Thank you Notes from people that claim to have been cured by Nossa Senhora da Penha. They have left many of their notes along with their old handicapped chairs and much more. The view from the Convent is one of the most beautiful views. Being able to see the Island of Vitoria and the City of Vila Velha and one of the most beautiful beaches along the coast of Brazil called Praia da Costa. Where at the end of the beach, you can also see the house of the Governor.

Annual state meeting of the Terço dos Homens movement

Every year, in May, the Terço dos Homens movement gathers at the Convent. Thousands of men pray the Rosary and attend Mass.

References

External links

Flickr: Photos of Penha ConventMorrodomoreno.com: Photograph of Penha ConventMarlon Stein.com: Penha Convent Photos

Christian monasteries in Brazil Buildings and structures in Espírito Santo Tourist attractions in Espírito Santo Portuguese colonial architecture in Brazil {{Brazil-religious-struct-stub