“The pilgrimage in Aparecida is always a wonderful experience: it doesn’t matter if it’s the first or the twentieth time you participate in it”From www.ozanet.org…
“On Sunday, April 29th, it was accomplished the 32nd Vincentian Pilgrimage in Aparecida, in São Paulo (Brazil). Confreres from all over the country were present in this event. “A meeting like that shows us how united and beautiful our Vincentian Family is”, said Margareth Costa, from the Central Council of the South of São Paulo.
The confreres – many of them were young – arrived early in the morning and met in Palmeiras’ Square, where they stuck their strips. “The number of pilgrims is increasing year by year”, said Moacir Cordeiro, from the Central Council of Santos. “The vincentians showed their power and energy.” We should remember that many participants had t-shirts which the official logo of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
There were a performance of the band “Comunidade Deus Imenso” and, then, the Assembly began. The confreres Carlos Henrique (President of the National Council of Brazil), Luiz Alberto, Cristóvão Gonçalves (coordinator of Ecafo), and Sebastian Gramajo (youth coordinator for Americas) presented their speeches.
So, there was a ceremony when the vincentians renewed their commitment that is to follow Christ’s example in the generous service of the poor. Then, while the pilgrims were singing the National Anthem, there was a show of balloons with the colors of the Brazilian flag. So, the vincentians went to the Basilica and participated in the Saint Mass celebration.
“The pilgrimage in Aparecida is always a wonderful experience: it doesn’t matter if it’s the first or the twentieth time you participate in it”, said Margareth Costa. Testimonies like that stimulate more and more vincentians to take part in the pilgrimage. “I’m a vincentian member there are nine years and have never participated in it. I will do everything I can in order to organize an excursion to Aparecida next year”, said Maria Cecília, from the Central Council of São José do Rio Preto.
Source: Ozanam Desk.
