PORTUGAL, José Vilarinho. The Schoenstatt Family in Aveiro found a unique way to prepare for the Jubilee of the Covenant of Love by conquering the 2500 kilometers to the Mother Shrine: to cycle from the Schoenstatt shrine to other Marian shrines in Portugal in various stages. The most recent pilgrimage took place on 25 March, from the Tabor Centre shrine in Aveiro to the shrine of Our Lady the Helper in Mogofores.
The group, accompanied by Fr. Carlos Alberto, left the Tabor shrine at 08.30 after Morning Prayer. The group started out with 17 cyclists. Thanks to the MTA, the group has grown with each pilgrimage.
In addition to the customary old hands, it was with great joy that the Girls Youth brought three representatives and two representatives from the Boys Youth also joined the group. One of the cyclists, who had been running late, was able to catch up with the group and soon 18 cyclists were headed towards Mogofores.
Never give up
The kilometres fell away easily until one of the cyclists had a small technical problem shortly before arriving in Palhaça. Give up, NEVER! The will to carry on was greater than any problem, and therefore, after going a few kilometers on foot, a kind farm worker gave us the necessary tools to solve the problem and the group was able to continue.
A moment of prayer at the shrine
As planned, the group arrived in Mogofores at 11.00. They introduced themselves to the priest serving at the shrine and explained the reason for their “Towards 2014” cycle. After the thanksgiving prayer, a chorus of voices filled the shrine once again. After this beautiful moment and some personal quiet time in the shrine, the group cycled to Curia park where they shared a picnic lunch.
A family on pilgrimage
On that hot, sunny afternoon, various family members (more each time) accompanied the group, which gave rise to wonderful generational family time.
Wistfully, because it was a lovely afternoon, they left Curia and cycled home. The return went well with a wonderful spirit of helping one another, even from those who were cycling with the MTA for the first time.
With joy we cycled to your shrine
Even before they had finished, the group, as always, was already asking: where to next?
If the weather conditions hold, on 22 April 2012, they will link the Tabor Center Schoenstatt shrine with the Our Lady of Salette shrine in Oliveira de Azeméis. On 25 Abril, they will cycle between the Tabor Centre and the Snows in Vila Nova de Monsarros.
We can ask: and how can I conquer the kilometers to the shrine? The MTA cyclists have every reason to pray the 2014 pilgrimage prayer with pride and tiredness. With joy we will go on pilgrimage…cycling…to your shrine…
Everyone can pray with them regardless of their personal or community circumstances: with joy we go on pilgrimage…walking, offering, praying, working, communicating…to your shrine. With joy we go on pilgrimage and will continue to go on pilgrimage, proud of the 2014 cyclists.
Source: http://schoenstatt50aveiro.blogspot.de/
Translation: Sara Leah Pimentel, Pretoria, South Africa
