Argentina - Feast of Mary Help of Christians in the Shrine at Fortín Mercedes
Buenos Aires, Argentina – May 2024 - The 107th pilgrimage to the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Fortín Mercedes, south of the province of Buenos Aires, was celebrated under the motto "With Mary in prayer we are mission". The shrine is an expression of gratitude to Mary for the evangelising activity in Patagonia, land of Don Bosco's dreams. The pilgrimage of the local communities took place on Friday 24 May , from the railway station in Pedro Luro to the Shrine where the Eucharist was celebrated at 5 pm. The pilgrimage was joined by many children, members of the 45th Battalion of the Argentine Explorers of Don Bosco, the musical band, teachers and students from educational communities, the FMA and pastoral agents at the Shrine. On Saturday 25th, pilgrims from different places, including Mar del Plata, arrived at the Shrine. At 5 pm the Eucharist was celebrated, entrusting Mary, patroness of Argentine agriculture, with the care of the homeland. At 7 pm, young people and educators from the educational communities in Bahía Blanca arrived and made a 30 kilometre pilgrimage on foot. The image of Mary Help of Christians was brought from the Shrine to welcome them. A solemn Eucharist was celebrated on Sunday 26th, the feast of the Most Holy Trinity.