On Pilgrimage to a ‘holy’ land
Celebrating the 104th anniversary of João Pozzobon’s birth
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104º aniversario del nacimiento de Don João Pozzobon 104th anniversary of John Pozzobon’s birth 104. Geburtstag von Joao Pozzobon |
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En la Iglesia San Pedro At San Pedro: Holy Mass Heilige Messe in der Kirche San Pedro |
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Saliendo en peregrinación Setting out for the pilgrimage Aufbruch zur Fußwallfahrt |
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Todos reunidos All gathered... Alle sind da... |
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En el fondo: la casa natal In the background: the house where he was born Im Hintergrund sein Geburtshaus |
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Inauguración de la casa Inauguration of the House Feierliche Eröffnung des umgestalteten Hauses Fotos: Ir. Nanci Meister © 2008 |
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BRAZIL, Sr. M Denise Ternes. On 14 December the annual pilgrimage to commemorate the 104th anniversary of João Pozzobon’s birth was held. The celebration began at St. Peter’s Church where Deacon João Luiz Pozzobon was baptized. Fr. Argemiro, who is working on the cause for Pozzobon’s canonization, gave an introduction and, inspired by his words and the thought of walking in Pozzobon’s footsteps, the pilgrims began their pilgrimage to the house where João was born.
This house, aimed at providing each pilgrim with a sense of João Luiz Pozzobon’s family roots, is an identical replica of his family home. In this way, pilgrims can learn where and how Pozzobon lived.
As the group walked to the house of his birth, they prayed, sang and reflected on the life and deeds of this Marian missionary. Children, young people, couples, men and women walked, united in the same faith and the same spirit of prayer and sacrifice that inspired the life of the pilgrim, João Pozzobon.
Mass was then celebrated by Fr. Osvaldo Cremonesi, the parish priest at the St. John the Baptist parish in Polêsine at the house.
Until Next Year
The theme of the Mass, organized by the missionaries of the Schoenstatt Pilgrim Mother Campaign, included Advent and the missionary and apostolic life led by João Pozzobon. It was an experience of a family united by the same belief: this is a holy place, a ‘holy’ land because a ‘man of God’, a Marian pilgrim, a ‘lover of life’ and a hero was born here!
The Tourist House was inaugurated at the end of Mass. This is a space for visiting pilgrims that shelters them from the sun and the rain. First, everyone sang the national anthem. This was followed by a speech by Fr. Aregemiro, thanking all the helpers and concluded with a speech by Mayor Valserina. The plaque on the front of the Tourist House was unveiled and the ribbon cut. After the inauguration, a delicious lunch was served.
As usual, the farewells could be heard as people wished each other well ‘until next year’ when they will once again walk in the footsteps of the ‘poor pilgrim, João Pozzobon.’
Translation: Sarah-Leah Pimentel, Johannesburg, South Africa