ARGENTINA, Fr. José María Iturrería/mda. Eleven members of the Argentinean Boys’ youth traveled to Rome to join the Fackellauf (Torch Run) and Jubilee celebrations in Schoenstatt. Seven are from Córdoba, three come from Mendoza and one is from La Plata who, together with Fr. José María Iturrería, are representing the Argentinean Boys’ Youth. They took with them an Argentinean flag signed by all the Boys’ Youth from the branches throughout the country. The flag travelled to Rosario, Paraná, Chaco, Santa Fe, Mendoza, Salta, San Juan, Tucumán, Capital Federal, San Isidro, La Plata, Florencio Varela, and Córdoba. It symbolises the presence of the entire Argentinean Boys’ Youth in the Original Shrine on 18 October.
“It is an honour and a gift from the Blessed Mother to be able to attend this pilgrimage to Schoenstatt as runners in the Fackellauf.
Some of us had the opportunity of participating in the Cruzada de Maria [Boys’ Youth pilgrimage to build a wayside shrine in the Andes] in January, and we are taking the same torch we used when we crossed the Andes,” they recounted.
The Argentinean delegation prepared and trained for this run. The runners from Córdoba were sent out by the Family during a Mass on 5 October. They are thrilled to “begin this journey, knowing that we met Pope Francis when he lit the torch on Wednesday, 8 October during the General Audience.”
With a flag and pride
After the audience in Rome, they will travel to Pompeii and, as Argentinean representatives and united with the delegations of the various participating countries, they will begin the Fackellauf to Schoenstatt, bearing the Boys’ Youth flag and wearing sky blue and white t-shirts which were especially designed for this event.
“We are proud to be part of this madness of love.”
We are running with the awareness that we are taking the flame of the covenant of love with us in the name of the International Boys’ Youth.
On the road, we will be united with all of you and we rely on your support and prayers!”
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Original: Spanish – Translation: Sarah-Leah Pimentel, South Africa
