Roadside Sanctuary in Brazil draws thousands | Shalom World News
A unique roadside sanctuary in Regente Feijó, São Paulo, Brazil, is capturing the attention of travelers and pilgrims alike, turning a stretch of highway into a vibrant space of Catholic devotion. Set along the busy Assis Chateaubriand Highway, the site—known as Camino dos Devotos (Path of the Devout)—features 11 towering statues of saints, some reaching up to 10 meters in height. Among them are images of Jesus Christ, Our Lady of Aparecida, St. Charbel, St. Padre Pio, St. Expedite, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and St. Francis of Assisi. Arranged along both sides of the road, each statue is accompanied by a dedicated space for visitors to light candles, offer prayers, and give thanks. A small chapel, open 24 hours a day, further anchors the site as a place of continuous reflection. Notably, there is no entrance fee, and devotional items such as candles and small saint images are offered free of charge. The project was conceived by entrepreneur Agesner Monteiro, who jointly funded it with Pedro Sarkis Mezher. Monteiro said his vision was to create a space filled with “positive energy,” where people could seek comfort and spiritual support. Originally planned with just five statues, the sanctuary expanded following a life-threatening accident involving Monteiro’s infant son—an experience that inspired the inclusion of additional saints. Today, the site attracts an estimated 2,000 visitors each week, emerging as a growing hub of faith along Brazil’s highways.