Santuário Nossa Senhora Aparecida em Manaus-AM: interações entre o sagrado e o profano na construção do sentido de lugar

Abstract

The Nossa Senhora Aparecida Sanctuary is one of the most significant Catholic churches in the city of Manaus, playing a crucial role in the religious and cultural life of the community. Its history dates back to 1943 with the arrival of the Redemptorist priests in the capital of Amazonas. This research aims to understand the influence of the sanctuary in shaping the sense of place for its devotees and faithful, both in the physical space and in the virtual environment. The specific objectives include: understanding how the novena of Our Lady of Perpetual Help contributes to the creation of a sense of place for devotees; highlighting the use of digital media by the sanctuary as a tool for strengthening connections with the faithful; and identifying the main actions promoted by the institution within the local population. The research adopted the phenomenological method to guide the understanding of the experiences and perceptions of the faithful and devotees regarding the sanctuary. The methodological procedures included bibliographic research, fieldwork, semi-structured interviews, and monitoring of the sanctuary’s social media, among other approaches. The results indicate that the sanctuary holds profound significance for the faithful and devotees, being perceived as a place of welcome, faith, and belonging. Furthermore, its social activities play a fundamental role in strengthening ties with the community. The use of social media also stands out as a contemporary communication and engagement strategy, allowing the sanctuary to expand its influence beyond the physical space. More than just a place of worship, the Nossa Senhora Aparecida Sanctuary has established itself as a space of identity and devotion, where the sacred and the everyday intertwine, reaffirming its importance in the religious and cultural life of Manaus.