Chile: Thousands of young people made a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of San Sebastián de Yumbel

Committing to the announcement of Jesus Christ, tearing down false idols and being “new blood” for the Catholic Church in Chile, were the three calls that the Auxiliary Bishop of Concepción, Mons. Bernardo Álvarez, addressed to the more than 4,000 young people who participated this weekend of the 40th Pilgrimage to Yumbel.

With the motto “Young pilgrims of hope”, and organized by the Pastoral Vicariate of Youth of the Archdiocese, this edition of the traditional pilgrimage brought together members of parishes, schools and Catholic communities in the Municipal State of Monte Águila to depart from there on their annual walk.

Before leaving, the Archbishop of Concepción, Mons. Sergio Pérez de Arce, was present with a video message and Mons. Álvarez gave them his blessing as a message.

The route had four stations, distributed along the 12 kilometers to the sanctuary of San Sebastián de Yumbel, each of them inspired by the pastoral points of the Church of Concepción: “Praying Church”, “Missionary Church”, “Church Community” and “Serving Church”.

After a space of musical recreation, the pilgrims participated in the Mass presided over by Mons. Álvarez, who focused his message on the value of this pilgrimage that has now been in its 40th edition and “roots us to an experience lived by the Young Church of Concepción in 1983 ”.

“The pastors of that time, together with the various youth communities, had that profound intuition of marking a milestone, of manifesting themselves as a living Church, the young Church of Concepción, which had a message of life, a message of truth, a message of freedom that proclaim at that time,” he recalled, appreciating that “others walked and pilgrimaged before us and that is very significant.”

“If we want this pilgrimage to have the greatest meaning and be fruitful as it was forty years ago,” said the prelate, the invitation is to open our hearts and “commit ourselves to the announcement of Jesus Christ, to tear down false idols and to be , and especially you young people, that new blood that our Church, Chile and the entire world need so much.”

Along with the bread and wine, the young people brought the pilgrim image of Saint Sebastian and boxes with the pilgrims’ prayers to the altar.

Some of the participants of the pilgrimage testified about the importance it has for them to join this activity. For Fanny Zúñiga this is “a family tradition and an opportunity to give thanks for everyday life, for being here, for having the Lord in my life.”

“This tradition comes from my great-grandmother, who passed away recently, so this year is very special because it is in honor of her,” he explained.

For her part, Florencia Silva participated in the activity for the first time and described this moment as an opportunity to thank “all the good moments that have happened this year.”

Esperanza Padilla highlighted the learning and valued “seeing so many people come together to participate,” and Fanny Salazar emphasized the joy and willingness of the young people. At the end of the day he stated: “After this Eucharist, I believe that the heart is full.”

“There is a youthful spirit that is fervent for Christ, wanting to continue participating, making community, doing pastoral work in the Church of Concepción,” indicated Milton Gioia, Episcopal Delegate for Youth.

This pilgrimage was the prelude to National Youth Day, which will take place from January 21 to 26, 2025 in La Serena, and calls on young people to “become one with the Church, in mission, and to be able to lead other young people to Christ”, concluded the delegate.