Penha Convent
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Penha Convent is a convent located in Vila Velha, Brazil, on the top of a high mountain overlooking the cities of Vitória and Vila Velha. Founded in approximately 1558 by Pedro Palácios, today it is home to Espírito Santo's Patron Saint, Our Mother of Penha. Many believers make pilgrimages to this site which is surrounded by a green haven of forest. Due to its location between two large urban areas, it is also a very much sought-after leisure spot on weekends and holidays. It is considered one of the main tourist attractions of the Espírito Santo.
Every year, there is an important celebration to the Saint. Where believers dedicate their miles praying and thanking the Saint. Some have traveled from all over Brazil in order to get there, they have sacrificed their own lives by riding and getting rides from strangers. Due to the lack of work and money they even starve in order to accoplish this mission.
The men usually start their walk from the Capital Vitoria and finish at the Convent in Vila Velha. The women also pay their respects and walk from the closest Church (Santuario) up to the Convent. Inside the Convent there are millions of Thank you Notes from people that have been cured by Nossa Senhora da Penha. They have left many of their notes along with their old handicapped chairs and much more. The view from the Convent is one of the most beautiful views. Being able to see the Island of Vitoria and the City of Vila Velha and one of the most beautiful beaches along the coast of Brazil called Praia da Costa. Where at the end of the beach, you can also see the house of the Governor.
Also, after almost twenty years, the dream of completing a Bridge (Third Bridge) to connect the Island of Vitoria to Vila Velha was accomplished after many men had sacrificed their own lives to build it. Many families lost their homes due to the Government indiscretion and problems that later was coveted by politicians and today the mistery still remains due to the crime rate that has increased since the Bridge was built.
The State of Espirito Santo has Towns that were founded by Italians and their Great Grandchildren are still alive living poorly and unknown. But the only reason that keep them alive and still believing in a better place to live is the fact that faith is the most important weapon against evil, as long there are places that can be seen by tourists all over the World.
