Virgin Mary procession draws thousands as Venezuela faces uncertain future

Thousands of Venezuelans gathered in Barquisimeto on Wednesday for the annual Divina Pastora procession, seeking divine intervention during a period of unprecedented political upheaval following the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

The massive Catholic pilgrimage, which takes place every January 14 approximately 170 miles west of Caracas, drew an estimated 2 million participants according to local authorities. This year’s procession carried special significance as citizens prayed for stability in a nation thrown into chaos.

“We pray for our country, because our country truly needs God,” said housewife Miriam Espinoza during the event. “May we have peace and may our country return to normalcy.”

The procession comes amid extraordinary claims that Maduro was captured on January 3 and taken to the United States in a military operation. According to reports, President Donald Trump has stated he would temporarily govern Venezuela and utilize its vast oil reserves for international sales. Trump has reportedly endorsed Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela’s acting president.

Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves, estimated at nearly 304 billion barrels, which have long been the backbone of its economy. Any shift in control of these resources could have significant implications for global energy markets and regional geopolitics.

The pilgrimage, stretching approximately 4 miles through Barquisimeto, follows a traditional route from the Santa Rosa sanctuary to the city’s cathedral. Participants, predominantly dressed in white, stop at 12 stations along the procession route, mirroring the Stations of the Cross in Catholic tradition.

For residents of Barquisimeto, Venezuela’s fourth-largest city, the Divina Pastora procession represents more than religious observance—it’s a cultural cornerstone that has united generations of families.

“For us in Barquisimeto, it means everything,” explained Johenny Hernández, a civil engineer who attended with several family members despite health limitations. “The Virgin walks with us as we make our way toward Jesus Christ.”

The devotion displayed during the procession illustrates how faith provides comfort during challenging times. Clara Castillo, a long-time participant, shared that her commitment to the procession began 39 years ago when her son was diagnosed with hemophilia as an infant.

“My faith has been there ever since, and for the rest of my days I will ask God to give me the health I need,” Castillo said. “And today I pray for my beloved Venezuela.”

Venezuela’s economic and humanitarian crisis has intensified in recent years, with the nation experiencing hyperinflation, food and medicine shortages, and mass emigration. The UN estimates that over 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2014—one of the largest displacement crises in the world.

The Divina Pastora procession, which translates to “Divine Shepherdess,” honors a specific representation of the Virgin Mary that holds particular significance in the Lara state region. The tradition dates back centuries and has persisted through numerous political transitions and economic cycles in Venezuela’s history.

This convergence of faith and civic concern demonstrates how religious expressions often become intertwined with national identity and political aspirations during periods of uncertainty. For many attendees, the procession provided a moment of community solidarity amid the country’s fractured political landscape.

While political developments remain fluid, the massive turnout for this religious event underscores the Venezuelan people’s resilience and their search for spiritual guidance during turbulent times.

The Divina Pastora celebration stands as one of Latin America’s largest annual religious gatherings, comparable to other major Catholic pilgrimages throughout the region, and highlights the continuing importance of faith traditions even as political and economic circumstances evolve.