A real celebration because "we were triumphant, by accepting God’s plans"

24^th pilgrimage of the people from the wayside shrine of Hasenkamp to the Shrine of La Loma

„Alzo mi voz por la vida“ “I raise my voice for life” “Ich erhebe meine Stimme für das Leben”
La peregrinación comenzó con calor, sol, viento y cielo azul The pilgrimage set out with sun, heat, wind, and blue skies Bei strahlendem Himmel ging die Wallfahrt los
Oración en la ermita de Hasenkamp Pilgrims praying at the wayside shrine in Hasenkamp Gebet der Pilger am Bildstock in Hasenkamp
Una columna de miles de fieles A sea of pilgrims, moved by faith Ein Meer von Pilgern unterwegs
Misa de clausura con Mons. Karlic Closing Mass with Bishop Karlic Schlussmesse mit Bischof Karlic
Peregrinos jovenes llegando al Santuario… cansados, felices… Young pilgrims arriving at the Shrine … tired, but happy Junge Pilger schaffe es trotz offizieller Absage zum Heiligtum, müde und überglücklich Fotos: Hector Ríos © 2006 Albúm de fotos – photo album – Fotoalbum

ARGENTINA, Tita Rios. "We must arrive at the Shrine from the wayside shrine" sang the thousands of faithful on the pilgrimage of the people that unites the way side shrine with the Schoenstatt Shrine at La Loma, Paraná. For the 24^th consecutive time the demonstration of faith of the people took place, in which the pilgrims travel a distance of 90 kms. on the eve of Mother’s Day. The pilgrimage that was initiated in 1982 by three young men gathered approximately 20,000 faithful last year in an incomparable demonstration of faith and affection for the Blessed Mother. The motto for the 24^th edition was" Mother, protect our families" which at the same time turned into a strong manifestation in favor of life. Although the pilgrimage was officially postponed midway because of inclement weather, in spite of this many pilgrims continued to walk to the Shrine where several members of the Schoenstatt Family constantly prayed throughout the hours of the pilgrimage.

On October 13^th the pilgrims gathered at the wayside shrine of Hasenkamp on an afternoon of oppressive heat and a soft breeze. When they were ready to depart large posters were brought proclaiming life from conception. Everything was in order; everyone was prepared at their place: servers, firemen, police, loudspeakers, etc., etc…The organization in Hasenkamp is so large that all the people commit themselves for several months with contributions of their prayers and their work. The wayside shrine is a witness of all the silent voices that greet, offer thanksgiving, ask for strength, offer their joys and sorrows, confidence and the desire to complete the goal, offering the Mother of God this pilgrimage with so much sacrifice and so full of hope.

A dream that is fulfilled

The majority of the participants are young, but there are also many who are not so young, united by a single objective: to present the Blessed Mother with a gift on the eve of Mother’s Day which is celebrated here. To offer all that is carried in the heart – and that cannot be expressed because a knot in the throat impedes it – to mobilize, to give strength, and eyes are wet with tears: "Mother protect our family and of those of the whole world!" That is how great and generous this pilgrimage is since it has already taken place for 24 consecutive years, born of the great love of three young men who carried out the first pilgrimage dreaming that one day many more like them would come from all the neighboring towns to give their love to the Blessed Mother. And their dream was not in vain: presently there are thousands who join this pilgrimage, traveling on a road sown by the wayside shrines of the Blessed Mother.

Infecting faith, hope and complete confidence in Mary

It is about an extraordinary mobilization of the faithful, the longest pilgrimage of Latin America and one the largest in Argentina.

It is also noteworthy to mention the great number of media reports that transmit this surprising pilgrimage that mobilizes a large number of people who joyfully offer hours and hours of walking, prayers, and singing. Infecting faith, hope and with complete confidence that Mary is also walking with them and that she takes on the needs of her children.

Carlos Moisés, member of the Schoenstatt Family Federation and who is in charge of all the organizational team, also participated in the walk. The pilgrims were accompanied by the diocesan advisor, Father Diego Rauch, along with Father Alfredo Nicola, pastoral advisor of the diocesan youth.

Throughout the pilgrimages songs and reflections were transmitted through the loudspeakers, and as usual, the pilgrimage was led by the Auxiliary that presides over the march from the top of a truck.

A deluge of the Blessed Mother’s graces in response

With the message "I raise my voice for life" the pilgrimage began…with the first stop at the town, Cerrito, some 40 kms. from Hasenkamp.

Upon arrival at this place, at the dawn of Sunday, after walking more than 40 kilometers, there was a strong storm that suspended this beautiful pilgrimage that had started with an impressive heat.

It was an intense rain that lasted for hours, that was also a sign of blessing for the fields in the area that had been suffering from a drought. "We believe that the Blessed Mother wanted it this way and this is how we accepted it", the people from that place commented. As can be seen, once more, the Great Gardener, watchful of the needs of her children, was so happy that she could not wait for the pilgrimage to end to shower her abundant graces on the arid fields thirsty for water for the crops.

A celebration of faith that was suspended midway

The pilgrimage that was so desired was officially suspended. Many returned home, but not everyone. Some 13 pilgrims continued their pace in the midst of the darkness, with rain and singing. On their way they met more pilgrims…In this way there were many who arrived on their own to the Shrine of La Loma in spite of the bad weather. That afternoon the pilgrimage concluded with the Mass celebrated by Monsignor Estanislao Karlic, Archbishop Emeritus from Paraná, and three priests who were present. Monsignor Karlic considered the pilgrimage to be a real celebration "because we were triumphant, by accepting the plans of God".