Romarias and devotional practices to Padre Cícero and to Mãe das Dores in times of pandemic

Abstract

In this article, we analyze the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the religious beliefs and practices of the devotees of Padre Cícero and Our Lady of Sorrows, as well as the perceptions of romeiros about the pandemic. The research, carried out between September 2020 and March 2021, was based on the interaction with groups of romeiros on online social networking services. We present a reflection on the research process, with its limits and possibilities, as well as on the views of our interlocutors about the pandemic, and how their religious practices have been developed, especially those related to devotion to Padre Cícero. We also bring an analysis of the impressions of the romeiros about the pandemic and its associations with the eschatological sermons of Padre Cícero. Finally, we present insights into the constant process of recreating the romarias, highlighted in this pandemic scenario.