"The Brothers of St Joseph taught us to love Our Lady"

"My experience with Mary began when I was a child. I was born in a deeply Catholic family. Every night after dinner, the whole family—grandparents, uncles, parents, siblings—gathered to pray the Rosary and the Litanies of Our Lady. We also hosted a Pilgrim Virgin through a program called "Our Lady’s Little Chapel," where she would stay in homes like ours.

The example of my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles was an essential part of the development of my love for Mary. But my Marian devotion also grew greatly in the community of my parish, St Joseph’s Church (São José), where I was baptized, ordained a priest, and later ordained a bishop.

I was 13 when I entered the seminary. Marian devotion was deeply fostered there. It was the Brothers of St Joseph—founded by Father Murialdo—who taught us to love Our Lady. I owe my religious, sacerdotal and episcopal vocation largely to Mary. I must say that here in Belém (Brazil) the devotion to Our Lady of Nazareth is very strong."

Bishop Ireneu Roman, CJS

Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Belém (Brazil)

Exclusive interview by Thácio Siqueira for A Moment with Mary