BRAZIL, Sr. M. Nilza P. da Silva. On August 27th, approximately three thousand pilgrims from the Episcopal region of Belén of the Archdiocese of Sao Paul spent the day in the Shrine in Atibaia/SP. Eight priests and the auxiliary bishop responsible for the region of Belén, Bishop Edmar Perón were also present. It was the tenth pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Mother and Queen.
Walking together to the Shrine
The day was adorned to welcome them in that there was beautiful sunshine and the climate was very pleasant. Everyone who arrived felt at home, and there was much conversation and joy, while waiting for the program to start. The program began close to the cross at the entrance of Tabor Schoenstatt Center, where they gathered to begin the walk toward the Shrine carrying their petitions and expressions of gratitude.
Near the Shrine, everyone greeted the Mother and Queen, the Owner of the House. They expressed gratitude for what they had received during her visit to their homes; they presented their petitions and expressions of gratitude. All in all, everyone celebrated the drawing near of the large Jubilee in 2014, and they left their hearts here. The line to enter the Shrine moved slowly, because each person had so much to say to the Mother of God.
We are at the Mother’s House
Gathered at the tent, those present were greeted by the priests who were in attendance and by Bishop Edmar, who came especially to preside at the 11:30 a.m. Mass. It was impressive to see the concentration and silence that reigned in the sacred space before and during the celebration, and it could be observed that each one was here for an encounter with God.
The bishop began his homily saying: “We are in the Mother’s House.” He said we are all pilgrims toward Paradise, and it is a day that we meet with the Father. He encouraged everyone present to always go for an encounter with God, who seeks us, and to walk united with other people inviting them walk toward heaven. He concluded asking for prayers for Archbishop Bruno Gamberini, Archbishop of Campinas, who is gravely ill, and for Bishop Luciano Mendes for whom today was the fifth anniversary of his death, and the Diocese of Mariana had the help of the region of Belén for the process of his beatification, since Bishop Luciano Mendes was in charge of this region for many years. “May the Mother and Queen of Schoenstatt help us on our way,” he concluded.
With the Eucharistic Jesus in their hearts, the pilgrims crowned the Virgin, and they presented their petitions and entrusted their families to Her. They especially expressed their gratitude for all the graces they have received during the ten years of pilgrimage to this Shrine.
Bishop Edmar had to leave after Holy Mass because of the commitments of his schedule. He wanted to know the date for the pilgrimage in the year 2012, and he said: “Next year I want to spend the day here in the Shrine with you!”
With new strength for the mission
But if he could not be present physically, his petitions were recalled, since the afternoon program was filled with prayer; they prayed the rosary with the benediction of the Blessed Sacrament presided by Father Norival da Silava, Pastor of Saint Philip Neri, and Father Didi Mateus, of the Incarnate Word.
When the Saint Monica’s Day ended, the pilgrims made the return trip to their homes. They took new strength, joys, and graces to continue the mission to evangelize the large city, going house to house taking Jesus and Mary, taking the graces of the Shrine. In this way, Saint Paul becomes more blessed; its residents will be closer to the heart of God, on the road to Paradise.
Celina M. Garza: Spanish/English translation – Melissa Peña-Janknegt: English edit
