On the day of prayer for Chile, Cardinal gave three advice to Catholics

The last Sunday of September is a special date for Chileans since, under the protection of the Virgen del Carmen, a day of prayer for Chile is dedicated. On this occasion, in the city of Santiago, the Plaza de Armas was the starting point of the procession, which brought together some 10,000 faithful.

The celebrations began at 3:30 p.m. with folk dances in honor of the Virgin, and continued with the walk through the streets of the city, with faithful of all ages that carried flags and scarves demonstrating their devotion to the Virgin, and praying the rosary, in whose intentions were the unity of the country, families, the sick, migrants and peace.

Upon returning, the Mass took place in the Metropolitan Cathedral and was chaired by the archbishop of Santiago, Cardinal Fernando Chomali, accompanied by the Apostolic Nuncio in Chile, Mons. Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal.

In his homily, the Cardinal recalled that “it is not about coming only this day, but about asking if we are doing God’s will in our life.”

The purple called to follow Maria’s example through the service, because “doing something for others is the deepest source of our joy,” and warned that “a person who declares himself Catholic and does not provide a service to others, has not understood what it is to be Catholic.”

“Chile has a deep Christian and Marian soul, and you have to notice more,” he said, asking the Catholics “to be a source of joy.”

Three tips for Catholics

Within that framework, he gave three recommendations: “First, unlimited confidence in God, unlimited confidence is that he has a will for each of us.”

“Second, to devote ourselves to a deep spiritual life, as the Blessed Virgin Mary had, who translates into service to others. We need Catholics in hospitals, in mercy. We need Catholics in prisons. We need Catholics in the places where there are abandoned people. We need Cathol In Carabinero, because they are places called to serve, ”he listed.

“And finally, I ask you please, full of God, serve others and be a source of joy,” he concluded.

Since 1971, and at the initiative of Chilean bishops, the procession in honor of the Virgen del Carmen is celebrated on the last Sunday of September, so that it coincides with the culmination of the month of the homeland. The date was then called “Prayer Day for Chile.”