The celebration of freedom with a Bishop devoted to Mary

Third anniversary of the Shrine of Belo Horizonte: 14,000 pilgrims participated

Mons. Walmor Oliveira de Azevedo, arzobispo metropolitano Archbishop Walmor Oliveira de Azevedo of Belo Horizonte Erzbischof Walmor Oliveira de Azevedo von Belo Horizonte
Saludando a los 14 mil peregrinos Greeting the 14, 000 pilgrims Begrüßen der 14.000 Pilger
Filas frente del Santuario Long lines in front of the Shrine Lange Schlangen vor dem Heiligtum Fotos: Almeida © 2006

BRAZIL, Djalma and Elrida Mello de Almeida. The Schoenstatt family of Belo Horizonte, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, gathered with their Archbishop, Mons. Walmor Oliveira de Azevedo, to commemorate the third anniversary of the Shrine "Tabor of freedom". Approximately fourteen thousand people arrived at the Shrine to pray, praise and to thank God, through the Blessed Mother, for all the graces they have received.

The third anniversary of the Mother Thrice Admirable Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt was solemnly celebrated in the city of Confins, close to Belo Horizonte, in the state of Minas Gerais. The pilgrims began to arrive at 8:00 a.m. in real caravans. It was a sunny day, the sky was very blue and everything in this holy land was in harmony with nature to greet the Blessed Mother, thanking her for these three years of abundant graces received in her Shrine.

The atmosphere was truly a Tabor!

Long lines were quickly formed to visit the Mother and Queen in the Shrine. It was touching to see the pilgrims demonstrate their affection and gratitude as they passed, for just a few minutes, in front of the altar of the Shrine. Some entered and exited on their knees…Tears, many tears ran down their faces. The line continually grew, but no one was discouraged by the wait.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was held in the morning, it ended with a solemn benediction. The atmosphere of prayer and the respect in the presence of the Eucharistic Jesus touched everyone.

The experience stressed the person of the Father and Founder, with the objective of awakening an interest in knowing him better and with this, to accomplish his canonization as soon as possible.

A meditated rosary was prayed in the afternoon. Father Juan de Dios, adviser of the diocese, accompanied the contemplation of the mysteries with beautiful reflections.

A Bishop devoted to Mary

It could not be any other way; the Holy Mass was the culmination of all the celebration. Mons. Walmor Oliveira de Azevedo, the metropolitan Archbishop, presided the Eucharist. He said that among the titles he is given, de does not consider being the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte as the most important; rather, it is being called, a "Marian Bishop". When he said this, the multitude applauded with enthusiasm. He also said, "let us contemplate the Lord’s ascension into heaven with Mary. He arose to heaven and the mission continues for each one of us, the Christians. May our mission take Mary as an example, because the world needs us as a reflection of Mary. The missionaries of the Schoenstatt Rosary Campaign multiply the evangelization. This is a miracle of God". The lord asks that we be admirable like our Mother, Mary."

The offerings were symbolic: flowers, a light, and a brick, that represented the gratitude for these three years, the completion of the paving and the lighting of the streets to the Shrine. The Bishop, who has a paternal heart, went out to meet his spiritual children after the Holy Mass, blessing and greeting everyone who approached him.

Surely the thousands of pilgrims, who arrived on this day, have received many gifts of grace from the Blessed Mother. And surely, She was also happy with the celebration that was prepared in her honor with so much affection.

Translation: Celina Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA

Source: Tabor Mae Peregrina - www.maeperegrina.com.br