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Thousands of Indonesian Catholics attend Marian month pilgrimage

On May 25, fifteen thousand pilgrims visited the Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help cave, St. Michael Parish, Maukeli, Mbay vicariate, Ende Archdiocese, East Nusa Tenggara province. 

The Marian pilgrims originated from 19 parishes and one quasi-parish within the archdiocese's Mbay Vicarage. 

The pilgrimage begins with the residents of the Wolokali station welcoming the priests who will celebrate the Eucharist with a traditional ceremony known as the bhea tradition (traditional greeting).

In the traditional pick-up ceremony, in addition to praying for the priests, thousands of congregations ask Our Lady to intercede to preserve the local environment's fertility.

The centerpiece of the pilgrimage "Together with Our Lady of Mary, We Serve God" is the Eucharist celebration presided over by Father Aster Aldo.

Father Aldo explained in his sermon that this Marian Month pilgrimage was being conducted for the first time in three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This event is intended to become a recurring annual occurrence in May and October.

"This pilgrimage is an opportunity for people to deepen their faith, strengthen the bonds between parishes, and expand their love for one another," said Father Aster.

In the central portion of Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, the Archdiocese of Ende encompasses 5084.50 square kilometers. It serves the catholic communities of Bajawa, Mbay, and Ende.

Throughout the three vicariates, the archdiocese has 62 parishes. - With input from Priska, Archdiocese of Ende/Mirifica

 

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