Venezuelans celebrate the Divina Pastora in Argentina, Colombia and Chile

This January 14, more than two million Venezuelans gathered in the streets of the city of Barquisimeto to accompany the procession of the Divina Pastora, patron saint of the Lara state.

In addition, activities were held in three South American countries to commemorate this massive devotion, which crosses borders thanks to the faith of the Venezuelan community.

The Archbishop of Barquisimeto, Mons. Polito Rodríguez, called on Venezuelans not to remain “paralyzed by fear,” during his homily this Monday, the day of the Divine Shepherdess. A recommendation that was followed to the letter in these countries:

Argentina

The celebrations took place at the Nuestra Señora de Caacupé sanctuary parish, in Caballito, and were presided over by Father Eusebio Hernández, who called on Venezuelans to cultivate the virtue of hope during the Jubilee Year 2025.

“For me it is a great joy to receive again, to make this parish a home for everyone, especially for the Venezuelan people at this time, under the sweet protection of the Divine Pastor,” said the parish priest.

The parishioners presented the Argentine and Venezuelan flags in front of the altar, in addition to some typical foods of the Caribbean country.

“I carry her in my heart, in my life and in my soul,” said Iris Gutiérrez, a Lara native who has lived in Argentina for several years. Gutiérrez told the Barquisimetana television station Promar TV who always carries the Divine Shepherdess “like her mother in Heaven.”

“That Marian faith makes us walk like a river of faith, all united,” he added.

Next Sunday, January 19, a 5.8 kilometer procession will take place, from Our Lady of Caacupé to the Cathedral of Buenos Aires. The Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Mons. Jorge García Cuerva, invited to participate in the event:

“Together with the entire Venezuelan community, next Sunday, January 19, we are going to celebrate the Divine Pastor of Venezuela. At 9 in the morning, celebration of the Eucharist in the parish of Caacupé, and then, for the first time, there will be a march of hope, accompanying the Venezuelan community, to the cathedral of Buenos Aires. Everyone is invited. May God bless you and may the Divine Pastor intercede for the entire Venezuelan community,” said the archbishop.

Chile

The devotees of the Divina Pastora toured some streets and avenues of Santiago de Chile, on Sunday, January 12. Two processions were held, for the ninth consecutive year, one in the Latin American Parish and another in the Sacramentinos church.

One pilgrim expressed feeling “too blessed” and grateful to God for allowing her to walk the procession. Another, Yolimar Salcedo, thanked the Divine Pastor for the grace of being reunited with her children.

“Today it becomes possible. I have so much to be grateful for. “She always intercedes before the Father for us,” he commented to Promar TV.

Venezuelans highlighted the closeness of the Blessed Virgin, wherever they are in the world, and ratified their commitment to continue celebrating the Divine Shepherdess with their fervent love for a devotion “that transcends borders.”

Colombia

Devotees of the Divina Pastora in Colombia presented a full-scale replica of the sacred image. Brothers Jean Manuel and Jean Carlos González are directors of the Society of the Divine Pastor of Venezuela in Colombia. In an interview with Promar TVJean Manuel said that his love for images was born from a very early age.

“Since we were children (the two brothers) we have been very devoted to the image of the Divine Shepherdess and in our adolescence we made a 70 centimeter image of the Virgin, but our dream was always to make a life-size replica, to fulfill our purpose of evangelizing. ”, he expressed.

The activities took place in Medellín, from January 11 to 14, including a Mass for migrants and the traditional procession, which took place on Sunday, January 12.