Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago (Fides Service) - In this 150th anniversary year of the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, pilgrimages to Marian Shrines all over Chile are more crowded than ever. This year the Marian Shrine of St Cristobal’s Oak in Santiago, built in honour of the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception, is marking its 100th anniversary. In fact the foundation stone was laid on 8 December 1904 and the statue of Our Lady in the basilica was modelled on the one produced for the occasion in 1904 and venerated in Piazza di Spagna, in Rome. Visitors to St Cristobal’s Oak are expected in great numbers this year because of the coincidence of the two dates.
In preparation for December 8 about 15,000 people from the archdiocese of Santiago made a pilgrimage to the national shrine of Maipú. The Celebration was presided by Cardinal Francisco Javier Errázuriz Ossa, Archbishop of Santiago. The pilgrims reached the Shrine after about two hours walk in time for 6pm Mass in the square in front of the church. At the end of mass the people renewed their consecration to Our Lady and crowned her "Queen of Western Zone ". They also made a commitment to make this part of Santiago, its families and communities, a centre of propulsion for evangelisation and conversion.
"Mary, teach us to love the Eucharist" is the slogan chosen for this year’s celebration of the Immaculate Conception in the diocese of Valparaíso. In the Year of the Eucharist the celebration intends to underline that life on earth is a pilgrimage in preparation for the final encounter with God. Thousands of pilgrims are expected to come tomorrow 8 December on the most important Marian pilgrimage in Chile. Some 60 priests, 40 women religious, seminarians and novices of various orders will be available to assist the visitors. At 5pm on 7 December there will be a procession in honour of Our Lady and the main Mass on December 8 will be presided at 12 noon by Bishop Gonzalo Duarte García di Cortázar, Bishop of Valparaíso (RG) (Agenzia Fides 7/12/2004 - Righe 24; Parole 334
