CHILE, by Jesus Apiazola, via obispadoarica.cl •
On the Feast of the Assumption, a substantial number of the faithful from the San Marcos de Arica Diocese gathered to go on pilgrimage to the Schoenstatt Movement’s Cenacle Heart of America Shrine, which has the privilege of being a Holy Door in this Year of Mercy.
Traditionally every 15 August, youths and adults from the different communities of the diocese go on pilgrimage amid songs and prayers towards an encounter with Mary. At 10:30 a.m., they began to walk preparing their hearts to cross the Holy Door designated by the Bishop following Pope Francis’ petition for this Holy Year of Mercy. They arrived to the Shrine at noon to join the Bishop in celebrating the Eucharist, while different priests offered the pilgrims the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Unquestionably it was a great feast of joy and of self-giving to the Lord to go on pilgrimage with the proper sense of going out of ourselves to celebrate the embrace of reconciliation and giving thanks to God.
She takes us to God the Father
During the celebration of the Eucharist in his homily, the Bishop of the diocese, Moisés Atisha, emphasized that the Blessed Mother’s example is a “profound experience of one who sought to do God’s will” and that we are in a constant attitude “throughout history, looking at the Blessed Mother, because we want to encounter the fruit of her womb.” She is the one who takes us to God the Father, and through her, we celebrate the Lord of Mercy all together.
Moreover they celebrated the gift of religious life within the Eucharist: they not only offered prayers for consecrated persons, but also, there were expressions of gratitude for the religious’ giving of self from the communities present in the diocese.
Photos: Natalie Rauld Ojeda
Text and Photos with permission from the communication department of the Diocese of Arica
Original: Spanish. Translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX USA. Edited: Melissa Peña-Janknegt, Elgin, TX USA
