A Liturgical Assessment of the Ministry of benzedeiras and benzedores in Brazil

Abstract

In this article, I present a brief theological analysis of popular faith healing practices in Brazil widely known as benzeção, by analyzing how they evolved as a response to the absence of medical care in many remote areas of the country, but also as a consequence of a lack of necessary pastoral care for the sick and public liturgies of healing until the emergence of the Liturgical Movement. Finally, I propose some approaches through which such ministries can be incorporated as inculturated expressions of rites with the sick.