The 238th United States Independence Day was first celebrated on Christ the Redeemer, with a special illumination of the Monument in the colors of the American country last Thursday, July 3rd.
The rector of the Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer, father Omar Raposo, and the Consul General of the USA, John Creamer - who will be present at Corcovado, located in Tijuca National Park - desire, with this initiative, to witness the unity between the two nations, when approximately 90 000 Americans are present in Brazil for the World Cup.
"Christ the Redeemer is the international symbol of Rio de Janeiro, and a mandatory stop for thousands of Americans who visit the city every year. Viewing the Monument gaining the colors of my country on the eve of Independence Day in the USA is a privilege and an honor, "said John Creamer.
The World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro last year, was an important occasion for the approximation between the American consulate and the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro. The consul Liza Creamer was keen to act as a volunteer at the event, taking care of the delegation of bishops from their country.
To the rector of the Sanctuary, the occasion of the World Cup, as Pope Francis himself has been remembering in recent speeches, is an excellent opportunity for the promotion of brotherhood among peoples, and Christ the Redeemer is one of the most beautiful symbols for this announcement:
"The Americans always celebrate the 4th of July with joy and pride. And it is good we can be united at this party. So the Brazilian gift that we give them is this special illumination of Christ the Redeemer, who welcomes them with open arms, as a testimony of our friendship", says father Omar.
Credits: ArqRio
