MANILA, August 5, 2011?The ECY-Philippines delegation’s stay in the diocese of Coria-Caceres will be highlighted by a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal.
Pilgrims from the Philippines together with other young people from WYD participating countries will visit the Marian shrine in Portugal during their stay in Coria-Caceres.
Aside from the Philippines, the diocese is also hosting US, France, Germany and Australia.
The “Days in the Diocese” set on August 11-15, is an event that will immerse pilgrims into a profound spiritual and cultural experience with fellow youth in the host diocese, prior to the proper celebration of World Youth Day.
The diocese in an invitation sent to ECY, said that all the pilgrims of the DID together with the youth and host families will make a pilgrimage to Fatima to offer Mother Mary the spiritual fruits of WYD.
“It will be an intense day of prayer and testimony of Marian experiences,” it added.
Each pilgrim will spend 12 euros for the trip to Fatima while the host family (foster family) will provide the meal for the day.
Aphrodite Organo, a pilgrim and at the same time, volunteer staff of ECY-NSYA, said she expects to find solemnity during the pilgrimage. She added that it will also be her first time to visit a Marian Shrine.
“I also expect that there is serenity and the place will be peaceful even if there are many pilgrims that will visit the said shrine. Sa ating pagbisita doon, mararamdaman ko ang presence ni Mother Mary at magkakaron ng pagkakataon na makausap ko siya directly. Kasi nga sa lugar din ‘yon nagpakita siya sa mga tao”, Organo added.
Maria Lea Dasigan, also a staff of ECY-NSYA, said the pilgrims of this particular WYD are very lucky because there is a nearest Marian Shrine.
“Because of the location, the organizers of the days in the diocese have included a visit to a Marian Shrine,” she added.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is just a few hours away from the diocese of Coria-Caceres.
Our Lady of Fatima also called the Our Lady of the Rosary or Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima (Nossa Senhora do Rosário de Fátima in Portuguese) was the title given to Blessed Virgin Mary during Her apparition to three shepherd children in the year 1917 at Fatima in Portugal.
The delegation from ECY-Philippines is set to arrive in Spain on August 9 and 10 in time for their immersion in the diocese. (Jandel Posion)
