The largest pilgrimage of faith in Patagonia began on Friday 25th, with the arrival of the pilgrims on horseback. After travelling many kilometres, they arrived at the Parque Ceferiniano to bring their offerings, their greetings and their prayers before the traditional image that is venerated all year round.
Religious, cultural and recreational activities continued on Saturday 26th, the day of the liturgical memory of the Blessed. The flow of pilgrims started very early in the morning. As the day progressed, then, the number of pilgrims grew further, with hundreds of people coming to greet the Blessed. There were celebrations and baptisms, while in the evening there was a prayer by the fire, animated by the Mapuche community. Saturday ended with a song to the earth by the young people of the Chimpay sports centre.
On Sunday 27th, the activities began with the first rays of the sun on the hill of the Fifth Centenary Cross (on National Road 22), with Mapuche prayer and supplication. At 9 a.m. the impressive group of people began the pilgrimage to the Parque Ceferiniano where they arrived after a two-hour walk. At 11 o'clock the Mass began on an altar prepared outdoors.
The celebration was presided over by the Salesian Bishop of Viedma, Bishop Esteban María Laxague, and concelebrated by Bishops Alejandro Pablo Benna (Alto Valle del Río Negro) and Juan Carlos Ares (San Carlos de Bariloche) and by priests from different parts of the region and the country. Also concelebrating was the Superior of the Province of Argentina South (ARS), Fr Darío Perera, together with several Salesians from the communities in the area.
This demonstration was, once again, a true proof that if you pray with faith, God works in people's lives.
