This weekend the 50th edition of the Youth Pilgrimage to Lujánone of the most important religious events in Argentina. Thousands of believers will gather on Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6 to tour the 60 kilometers that separate the Sanctuary of San Cayetano in Liniers, from the Basilica of Luján. This year, the motto es “Mother, under your gaze we seek unity.”
The pilgrimage to Luján is one of the most important Catholic events in Argentina.
The first edition of this mass walk took place in 1975and since then, each year the number of participants has grown, consolidating this pilgrimage as a tradition that unites young people and adults on a journey full of faith. This year, the Diocese of Laferrere will be in charge of the pilgrim image that will accompany the faithful throughout the journey.
Where does it leave from and what is the route of the pilgrimage
The official route of the Pilgrimage begins in Liniers, on Saturday, October 5 at 10 a.m. from the Sanctuary of Saint Cajetanlocated at Cuzco 150, and crosses several towns in the province of Buenos Aires. The pilgrims will walk through the municipalities of Morón, Merlo, Moreno and General Rodríguezfollowing National Route N°7, until reaching the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Luján.
How many stops and support posts will there be until Luján
Along the way, there will be 50 free health posts and 15 support postswhere participants can rest and receive medical attention. In addition, hydration points and free food, such as cereal bars and cookies, will be available to help walkers replenish energy.
He Provincial Government will make available mobile hospitals, medical personnel, ambulances, chemical toilets, patrol cars, police, traffic controls, civil defense, stands to provide water and food, and recycling points with the firm conviction of accompanying every Buenos Aires resident who wishes to exercise the right to express their faith in community.
What are the mass times?
The Sanctuary of San Cayetano de Liniers will open its doors from 6:30 a.m. on Friday, October 4, until 7 p.m. on Saturday the 5th to receive all pilgrims who walk to the basilica.
When the pilgrims arrive at their destination, they will be able to participate in masses that will be held in Plaza Belgrano both on Saturday and Sunday, October 1, 2023 at the following times: 9:30, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20:30, 22 , 11:30 p.m., 1 a.m., 2:30 a.m., 4, 5:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. The 9:30 a.m. mass will be held inside the Basilica.
On Sunday, October 6, at 7, the most special Mass will be experienced where the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Monsignor Jorge García Cuerva, will preside over the central Mass in Plaza Belgrano, right at the doors of the Basilica of Luján. For the faithful who want to listen to the masses from anywhere in the country, they will have the possibility of following them through the YouTube channel. LaPereLujan.
Will the weather be good for the pilgrimage?
The weather will undoubtedly accompany the long-awaited pilgrimage. A warm and sunny spring afternoon is expected. Although early in the morning the temperature is expected to be around 14 degrees, at the time of the start of the walk in Liniers, the temperature will be approximately 17 degrees.
Arriving at noon, the temperature will rise until reaching the predicted maximum of 27 degrees. At sunset, the temperature will drop to 22 degrees, at night it will drop to 15 and during the early hours of Sunday it will reach 12 degrees.
At 7 in the morning, when the main mass will begin in the Basilica of Luján, led by the Archbishop, Monsignor Jorge García Cuerva, the temperature will be 13 degrees. 96% humidity is expected, but no chance of rain.
Pilgrimage to Luján: what are the recommendations
Los organizers of the Pilgrimage to Luján They suggest carrying the bare minimum and prioritizing basic elements. Among the most important recommendations are:
- Rest well the night before.
- Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, such as a waterproof jacket and an extra pair of socks.
- Used and comfortable sneakers.
- It is essential to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated, sunscreen, a hat, a flashlight and repellent.
- Bring a sun hat, sunscreen and cocoa lip cream.
- It is advisable to carry sandwiches, cookies, sweets, fruit and water in your backpack for the road.
- Opt for loose, cotton clothing; bring a coat for the night.
- Walk at a comfortable and safe pace.
- Carry a cell phone charger in case of any emergency
Likewise, it is suggested not to consume alcohol during the pilgrimage and to bring personal medication, if necessary. Another symbolic gesture recommended by the organization is bring a candle to light in the early morningrepresenting the intentions of the pilgrims and the Argentine people. Additionally, participants are encouraged to collaborate with donations of non-perishable food to social organizations.
Why pilgrims make the walk to Luján
The Pilgrimage to Luján is not only a physical challenge, but also a deep expression of faithwhere thousands of people join in prayer and solidarity. Upon arriving at the Basilica of Luján, pilgrims will receive the blessing of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in the Sunday mass. This meeting, which has been going on for 50 years, continues to be a symbol of unity, hope and devotion that strengthens the ties between believers and their faith.
