Since 2003, the memebers of the Miraculous Medal Association in San Salvador have taken on the responsibility of leading Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on pilgrimage. Year after year, during the month of May and some days of June, the image of the Virgin made a pilgrimage from community to community in the San Jacinto parish and some neighboring villages. At each place the rosary was prayed and/or people shared their reflections on a specific theme, for example, an encyclical, the documents of Vatican II, the life of saints of the Vincentian Family, the various manifestations of the Virgin, especially to Saint Catherine Laboure.

This year was different!

In 2020 we did not experience the joyful receptions, the fireworks and welcoming music and song. We could not share a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and bread … a sharing that resulted from our unity and solidarity with one another. This year we did not see each other’s face, we did not share face-to face and we were not able to embrace one another. But all of this did not prevent the Virgin from visiting our communities and homes.

This year, Our Lady visited everyone virtually, using different social media and networks. The objective was achieved: to nourish our faith, to keep hope alive and to motivate us to practice charity.

Therefore, from the first to the last day in May, the rosary was prayed from the various homes where people had accepted the invitation to share their experience. We prayed the rosary for every family and community, for doctors, nurses, priests, Daughters of Charity, laity and religious … for all those devoted to our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

We had happy and sad moments … on one occasion a sister from the parish died when a wall collapsed as a result of the heavy rains. We felt united and our bonds of solidarity were strengthened as we moved forward during this time of crisis.

Our Mother continued to encourage us, and we have made the firm resolution to continue to spread our devotion and to practice charity through the various means that are available to us.

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you!

Julio Adolfo Castellanos