Argentina: The first Sanctuary of Gualeguaychú is dedicated to the Virgen de Lourdes

Within the framework of the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the parish dedicated to that invocation in the Diocese of Gualeguaychú (Entre Ríos) was erected as the first diocesan sanctuary.

The ceremony was chaired by the local bishop, Mons. Héctor Zordán, accompanied by priests of the local clergy, deacons and seminarists, and was attended by numerous faithful.

The celebrations began with a procession through the streets of the neighborhood, and continued with the celebration of the Eucharist, in which Mons. Zordán referred to the Virgin of Lourdes as an intercessor of the sick.

“From here, the Virgin of Lourdes will accompany us and will intercede, especially by the sick and by all those who are affected by the disease of their loved ones,” he predicted. The sanctuary, he said, is “gift of God for all.”

Going to the local community, Mons. Zordán encouraged to host those who arrive at the sanctuary with generosity and hope. A sanctuary, he said, is a place where many arrive with the wounded heart, in search of comfort and spiritual renewal.

In that sense, he invited “the sick, those who suffer, to meet the father here, to feel at home.”

And citing the words of Pope Francis, he recalled that the sanctuaries are “oasis of spirituality where to revitalize the path of faith.”

Likewise, and in reference to the Gospel, he asked for “living water that springs from the heart of Jesus”, transforms the heart of each “into gestures of comfort and closeness for others, especially for those who suffer.”

At the end of the Mass, the auxiliary bishop of Mercedes-Luján, Mons. Mauricio Landra, a native of the Diocese of Gualeguaychú, was present through a letter to the community.

Mons. Zordán then blessed a plaque at the entrance of the temple, which indicates the erection of Our Lady of Lourdes as a diocesan sanctuary.