Legend of Senhora do Monte
History of Ailton Assis - Mato Grosso, Brasil
At the end of the 15th century, about 1 kilometer above the current church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, a girl played with a shepherdess, who offered her food. The shepherd girl's story was not believed, so her father spied the scene and saw an image of the Holy Mary in the girl's company. The local authority placed the image in the Capela da Incarnação, close to the church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, giving the image that name. Another version of the legend tells of a stream of water that was diverted by a wealthy man, depriving the community of access to water. In desperation, the people made a procession to Senhora do Monte, and the water began to flow again, benefiting everyone. This event became known as the miracle of Senhora do Monte in Madeiran popular memory.
