More than 100,000 pilgrims have travelled the 28 km separating Macerata from the Marian city of Loreto in the Marche region in Italy also encouraged by a live phone call of Pope Bergoglio. Brusselsdiplomatic has followed the event live.

“Do not let steal hope, but let yourself be guided by Jesus” with these words Pope Francisco kicked off at the XXXV

Macerata to Loreto pilgrimage last 8 – 9 June. The Holy Father said he was surprised by the phenomenon of pilgrimage. “Otherwise how it is possible that by 300 participants we have come even to 90,000 last year? “.

The ancient root of pilgrimage to Loreto

In 1294 it is said that the Holy House of Nazareth, where the Virgin Maria was born and received the announcement, was transported in the town of Loreto. Since the early years of the fourteenth century,  the tradition of pilgrimage on foot to Loreto, was born and already in 1322, a stranger pilgrimage from Germany, shortly after another from Greece and from northern Europe reached Loreto.

The manifestations of devotion of the faithful and the graces granted by Virgin Maria expanded more and more this phenomenon. It  became so great that it force even local civilian authorities to interventions for the protection of pilgrims through the issuance of laissez-passers, repair and construction of roads, bridges, etc. Along the roads used by pilgrims charity of Christians had also set up shelters and hospices.

In 1978, by the will of Don Giancarlo Vecerrica, about 300 pilgrims embarked on an ancient road that joins the town of Macerata to Loreto (28km) giving birth to what will be the path of the pilgrimage. The Pilgrimage proposed by Comunione e liberazione, in agreement with the Diocese of Macerata and Loreto in addition to the participation of other ecclesial movements and associations involved an impressive number of volunteers, around 3.000. They have contributed to the organization, anything but simple, with many facilities: reception and order, choir, liturgy, press and public relations, medical issues, health, etc..

The sight during  the march at night was spectacular. An endless torchlight procession animated the path until the first light of dawn. The cross which opens the pilgrimage was donated by Pope John Paul II, who in 1993 made the pilgrimage to the shrine of Loreto.

The Archbishop of Fabriano and Matelica, Msgr. Giancarlo Vecerrica, has peregrinated with the pilgrims all the way.

Tradition is so that at around 6 to 6.30 am, over the last hill when it finally sees the profile of the Marian Shrine, we kneel, recite the Angelus, and we exchange a gesture of peace and reconciliation. Upon arrival in Loreto pilgrims are greeted by a statue of the Virgin Maria. The monks bless the faithful pligrims with holy water. The participants are tired but happy.  At the statue of the Virgin of Loreto, a lighted brazier is placed.

There are thousands of pieces  of paper with the prayer intentions and requests through that, through the smoke, they go to heaven to be answered.
“I know you will walk for 28 kilometers through the night, reciting the Holy Rosary. It’s nice because this is the paradigm of life. All life is a pilgrimage. “ says  Pope Francisco.

Henry BORZI