Fortaleza, 3/24/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Yesterday the state of Ceará celebrated the 160th anniversary of the birth of Cícero Romão Batista (1844-1934), a Catholic priest (hence he is called "padre"), also known affectionately as Padim Ciço. He was an important religious and political leader in the state.

From a very young age Cicero wanted to be a priest, but family problems kept him from making his dream come true until 1872. Finally ordained, he worked in Juazeiro do Norte, smack in the middle of the frequently drought-stricken arid backlands of the Brazilian northeast region. He saw his mission in life helping the poor backlanders who were often forced to flee to urban centers to escape the hardships of drought in the countryside. He is supposed to have had a vision of Jesus telling him to care for those people, know as "retirantes da seca" (those who retreat from the drought).

However, in 1889, Padre Cicero became embroiled in controversy. A worshipper taking communion was reported to have blood in her mouth when she tried to eat the consecrated bread. And this is supposed to have happened a number of times; every time she tried to eat the bread it turned to blood.

According to the faithful, it was a miracle. The blood was the blood of Jesus. The local bishop had the case investigated and ruled that there was no miracle. He suspended Padre Cicero from his duties as a priest. A short time later Padre Cicero was defrocked for life.

After that, Padre Cicero went into politics in order to continue his mission helping the poor backlanders. He was elected mayor (1911) and became a central figure in the history of the region. Using the motto, "Pray and Work," he stimulated the beginning of a local handicrafts industry and built many churches and schools.

When he died in 1934 he was considered a saint by many people. His tomb is visited by two million people annually. (translator: Allen Bennett)