The 34th Marcha para Jesus took place this Thursday (4) in São Paulo, drawing about 33,800 participants according to a USP estimate. The event featured the presence of Attorney General Jorge Messias, representing President Lula, and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.
The march covered about 3.5 kilometers from Estação da Luz to Praça Heróis da Força Expedicionária Brasileira. Jorge Messias paraded on the sound truck without speaking, following Lula’s guidance to avoid political use of the religious event. Messias stated that “even Judas shared the table with Jesus” when commenting on polarization. He also played a call in which Lula justified his absence: “I do not participate in anything religious in an election year because I do not want to give the idea that I am trying to take political advantage of something sacred”. Flávio Bolsonaro spoke about a “spiritual war” and said “evil will be expelled from the government of this Brazil this year”. The event included gospel shows and the tradition of insoles with requests and thanks from the faithful. Other authorities present were Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, Mayor Ricardo Nunes and Minister André Mendonça.
