Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Pamplona (Fides Service) - "Javier, adoration and donation" is the slogan for the annual Javierada pilgrimage which take place in Spain 6 to 12 March, organised by the Delegation for Missions and the SCAM (Missionary Animation Joint Service). The pilgrimages start from various parts of Navarra and converge on Javier Castle where the Patron saint of the missions, St Francis Xavier, was born. About 60,000 people usually take part. This 65th Javierada is part of preparations for the 5th hundred anniversary for the birth if the saint, for which celebrations will start in his feast day December 3, this year.
Vicar general of Pamplona dioceses, Mgr Luis Oroz, presenting the Javierada event this year said it was always "an opportunity for conversion. Although the place is the same, every year it is different because but our life is different ". The slogan this year was chosen in keeping with the Year of the Eucharist called by John Paul II because Francis Xavier was a man of ‘adoration and self-giving”, in other words a man of the Eucharist. "Francis Xavier - the Vicar general said -, celebrated Mass with tears and ecstasy and it was from the Eucharist that he drew his strength for the mission."
In a letter ‘Francis of Xavier Master of Life’, published on the occasion of the Javierada, Archbishop Fernando Sebastian of Navarra, says his figure is a point of reference for all and especially in view of the 5th centenary of his birth. "Francis Xavier was not afraid to travel to the ends of the known world to announce the message of Jesus Christ. In ten years he opened new paths for the spread of the Gospel."
"What message has St Francis Xavier for us ?" asks the Archbishop underlining four important points: to stand in truth before Christ; look at our past life in the light of the faith; look at things in view of eternal life; plan our life starting from our faith in Jesus Christ and put ourselves in His hands and do His will each according to one’s vocation. Bishop Fernando Sebastian proposes the Saint as an example for young people: "Our young pilgrims to Javier must be courageous like him, filled with enthusiasm for Jesus offering their life for Him ". To missionaries he recalls that St Francis Xavier said: "Although I will face deadly danger I will go to Japan because it is a great consolation to suffer for the propagation of the faith and for the glory of God". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 5/3/2005; righe 32; parole 439)
