Southeast Jubilee Pilgrimage on the Way to the Fifth Encuentro

On the occasion of the Jubilee Year of Mercy and as we prepare for the V National Encounter of Hispanic/Latino Ministry, more than 700 pilgrims from the southeast United States (Episcopal regions V and XIV) gathered in the historic Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida on September 3.  The focus of this Jubilee pilgrimage was Mercy, the call from Pope Francis, and the V Encuentro, The day began at San Sebastian Parish, where pilgrims had the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Rev. Carlos Sosa invited pilgrims to live this Jubilee Year of Mercy pilgrimage to the fullest. Later, Roberto Rojas, CRS Senior Advisor for National Hispanic Outreach, presented the work of Catholic Relief Services, as the merciful hand of the Church.  It was also a moment for southeast Hispanics to learn more about the works being done by CRS.  This presentation was followed by a question and answer session, where Rev. Rafael Capó, SEPI Director, and Mr. Rojas answered questions which led to a better understanding of issues regarding faith, charity and mercy. The formal pilgrimage began in the afternoon, as pilgrims journeyed to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine to cross the Holy Door in this Jubilee Year of Mercy. The Eucharist was presided by Most Rev. Thomas G. Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, and concelebrated by Bishop Felipe Estevez of St. Augustine, Bishop Frank Dewane of Venice, Bishop John Noonan of Orlando, Bishop Robert Baker of Birmingham, and Auxiliary Bishop Peter Baldachino of Miami, as well as Father Capo and priests from the Southeast Dioceses.  Archbishop Wenski highlighted how Hispanics in the southeast are already on the path toward the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry; and how we have to respond to the call to missionary discipleship from Pope Francis and the Bishops of the United States. The bishops prayerfully sent forth the pilgrims to continue their journey of mercy. After the Eucharistic Celebration, young adults from southeast that attended World Youth Day in Krakow, shared a message of mercy in a dynamic and attractive "Mercy Festival". By giving life to different saints of the church, they shared with everyone how the message of mercy impacts the lives of ordinary men and women.  Pastoral Juvenil of the Diocese of St. Augustine shared a moving artistic and spiritual representation of God’s infinite love and mercy. The V Encuentro Cross accompanied the pilgrims throughout the day. The pilgrim journey continued from the Cathedral Basilica to the historic Our Lady of la Leche Mission and Shrine where more than 450 years ago, on September 8, 1565, Spanish priest Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales celebrated the first mass and founded the first mission in what is now the United States. Here, pilgrims were welcomed by Rev. Ivan Carrillo, rector of the Shrine and Mission, who explained the significance of the Shrine and the devotion to Our Lady of la Leche. The pilgrimage concluded with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, led by the Music Ministry of the Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of St. Augustine, with pilgrims journeying through the mission grounds and then returning to their dioceses as missionary disciples, witnesses of God’s love. 2016 © ENAVE. All Rights Reserved.