The Pilgrimage of Santa Dulce dos Pobres in Malhador is scheduled for August 23, 2026. The gathering begins at 6am, in the town of Candeias, in Moita Bonita, from where the faithful will travel for approximately 7 kilometers to the Memorial Chapel of Santa Dulce dos Pobres, in Malhador. The schedule was confirmed by the Archdiocese of Aracaju on August 5.
Before the walk, the religious program will have a preparatory period publicized as a novenary, held at the Memorial itself, in Malhador. For those who intend to participate, it is important to note that some operational details of the pilgrimage may still receive updates until the date of the event.
When and where will the Santa Dulce pilgrimage take place in 2026
The pilgrimage will take place on Sunday, August 23. According to the Archdiocese, the gathering of participants will be at 6am in the town of Candeias, belonging to the municipality of Moita Bonita.
The destination is the Memorial Capela de Santa Dulce dos Pobres, in Malhador. The distance informed by the organization is approximately 7 kilometers.
The walk between Candeias and Malhador is already part of the local tradition. In 2025, Malhador City Hall registered the fourth edition of the pilgrimage and also reported an approximate route of 7 kilometers, passing through SE-245.
For 2026, however, the official publication consulted informs the departure and arrival points and the total distance, but does not present a detailed street-by-street itinerary or information about possible changes in traffic. Therefore, on the day of the pilgrimage, the safest guideline is to follow the signage and instructions provided by the organization on site.
Novenary of Santa Dulce in Malhador
Spiritual preparation was announced for the period from 13 to 22 August 2026, always at 7pm, at the Memorial Chapel of Santa Dulce dos Pobres.
The theme chosen for this year is “Santa Dulce: compassion that welcomes and transforms, walking with those in need”.
There is one detail that deserves attention: the Archdiocese's own publication calls the program a novena and states that it will take place from August 13th to 22nd. This interval, counted inclusively, corresponds to ten dates. The note also mentions “nine days”, but does not clarify in the version consulted how these nights will be distributed.
Those who intend to follow the entire novena should, therefore, check the daily schedule published by the São José e Santa Dulce dos Pobres Parish before traveling, especially if adjustments to celebrations, schedules or complementary activities are published.
Why Malhador has a special connection with Santa Dulce
The municipality's relationship with Santa Dulce dos Pobres is directly linked to the first miracle recognized by the Church in the nun's beatification process.
Cláudia Cristiane Santos Araújo, resident of Malhador, suffered a serious hemorrhage after the birth of her second child, in January 2001. The episode occurred at the São José Maternity Hospital, in Itabaiana, where she underwent three surgeries during prolonged bleeding. The recovery, attributed to the intercession of Sister Dulce, was later recognized by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
This distinction is important because some references associate the “miracle of Santa Dulce” directly with Malhador. The bond with the municipality comes mainly from the fact that Cláudia is from Malador and the devotion that developed there; the medical event recognized in the beatification process occurred in Itabaiana.
The religious connection gained new manifestations over the years, including the enthronement of the image of Santa Dulce and the annual pilgrimage. In 2025, Malhador City Hall already described the municipality as “land of the miraculada”, an expression related to the presence of Cláudia and the memory of this episode.
How to prepare for the 7 kilometer walk
Even though it is a relatively short distance for a pilgrimage, seven kilometers on foot require some preparation, especially for those who do not usually walk. Departure also happens early, which requires advance organization.
To participate more comfortably:
- arrive at Candeias town in advance of the gathering time;
- wear comfortable shoes that have already been used on walks, avoiding wearing new shoes on the day;
- take water and have an adequate meal before the trip;
- prefer light clothing and consider sun protection for the hours after dawn;
- those who use continuous medication should take them as per their usual routine;
- children, the elderly and people with mobility limitations or health conditions that make prolonged walks difficult should assess in advance whether the route is suitable and check with the organization what forms of support will be available.
These recommendations are general precautions for a walk of this length and do not represent specific rules published by the pilgrimage organization.
What is still worth confirming before leaving home
In the official publication of August 5 consulted for this article, the Archdiocese confirms the date, time of concentration, origin, destination, length of the route and information about the novena. The note does not, however, detail issues such as parking in Candeias, return transport, hydration points, bathrooms, health assistance during the journey or complete schedule after arrival.
As the event will still take place on August 23, this is data that may be released or updated closer to the pilgrimage.
For those coming from another city, especially in a group or caravan, it is also prudent to agree in advance how the return to Candeias will take place if the vehicle remains at the exit point.
St. Dulce of the Poor Pilgrimage Service 2026
Pilgrimage: August 23, 2026
Concentration: 6am
Departure: Candeias village, Moita Bonita (SE)
Destination: Memorial Chapel of Santa Dulce dos Pobres, Malhador (SE)
Informed route: approx. 7 km
Novenary announced: August 13th to 22nd
Novenary time: 7pm
Location: Memorial Chapel of Santa Dulce dos Pobres, in Malhador
Those who intend to participate must follow official communications from the Archdiocese of Aracaju and the São José and Santa Dulce dos Pobres Parish in the days before the event. This way, it is possible to check any guidance on traffic, support for pilgrims and complementary programming before heading to Candeias.
