The International Congress of the Apostolate of the Pilgrim Mother began on Thursday, September 11, in an atmosphere reminiscent of the Last Supper. Different languages resound throughout the Dores Club, but amid gestures and expressions of joy, everyone understands the “language” of the Covenant of Love.

What would João Pozzobon say if he saw this gym full of people in Santa Maria today? It isn’t easy to imagine, because surely there would not be enough words. María Angélica Valencia, from the United States delegation, dares to answer: “I think he would be very moved and, because of that emotion, he would thank the Blessed Mother, because the mission she entrusted to him is being fulfilled, and this is the fruit of that great dedication. And, knowing his way of acting, I imagine he would ask Mary: “And now, what do you want from this mission?”

An “explosion” of gifts from the Holy Spirit

The initial program began with morning prayer and continued with the celebration of Holy Mass. The Eucharist was presided over by Monsignor Melchor Sánchez, a Spanish priest who was the relator of Pozzobon’s Process in the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. He began his homily by highlighting the “explosion” that took place at Pentecost and also mentioned the importance of Mary in the life of Christ and the Church.

Speaking of João Luiz Pozzobon, Monsignor Sánchez revealed: “Pozzobon is great not because he did many things, but because he listened to the Word of God and put it into practice. He welcomed the Word, conceived it, and made it flesh in his life, giving birth to it generously and tirelessly.” He adds: “Mary calls herself ‘the humble servant of the Lord.’ Pozzobon humbly considered himself the little donkey of the Pilgrim Mother. Let us also become little donkeys of the Mother, to bring Mary’s grace and light to everyone.”

Pilgrim Mother of Hope

After a brief interval, the formation moment began: “Today: looking from history to the future – missionaries of hope.” The experience, prepared by the Secretariat of the Apostolate of the Pilgrim Mother in Atibaia (Brazil), brought together 75 torches in front of the stage. Each of these torches represented the signs of hope in the life of João Pozzobon, in the Apostolate, and in the lives of all missionaries.

The texts for reflection were interspersed with videos showing impressive testimonies from various countries. People from Poland, Portugal, Burundi, Slovakia, Paraguay, and many other nations recounted the wonders that the Pilgrim Mother works in their regions. The testimonies showed families who had returned to the Church, restored marriages, social work carried out in schools, prisons, and hospitals, as well as many other signs of hope that the Apostolate spreads throughout the world.

We look to the past and the present, but what about the future?

Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello summarized all of the above reflections. He begins by saying that “the Jubilee is a time of grace to renew ourselves in the forces that gave us our origin and to refound ourselves, to project ourselves anew, with new strength, new ardor, with creativity.” And he emphasizes: “The next 75 years will not be a repetition of the past 75 years. Other people will build them: YOU and others whom you will win over. It will not be a ‘photocopy,’ it will be something original.”

As a conclusion to his reflection, Fr. Alexandre invites the missionaries of the Apostolate to reflect: “Each one of us will build the next 75 years with our zeal, love, creativity, and originality! How can we continue João Pozzobon’s mission to remain that sign of hope? How can we feed the flame of hope that was lit on September 10, 1950?”

Working groups

The afternoon was devoted to workshops, which were divided into 13 themes: Children and Youth Apostolate, ecclesial insertion, youth and pilgrimage, the Cause of João Pozzobon, for the life that begins, Pilgrim Auxiliaries, formation of missionaries, video on João Pozzobon, vocations, Fr. Esteban Uriburu, Covenant Day, Rosary, and Europe.

Several rooms around the Tabor Shrine and the Marian Center welcomed groups to study and deepen their understanding of these topics.

Before the Lord

In the evening, the congress participants gathered again at the Dores Club to pray the rosary. The “Hail Marys” were prayed in many languages, forming a luminous rosary with the flags of the countries.

Then, the blessing of the Blessed Sacrament moved everyone and crowned the evening. The enthusiasm of the Schoenstatt Youth stands out. Despite the great effort of work, they remain animated and infect everyone with their songs and joy.

What would João Pozzobon say if he saw all this? “Now the most beautiful flower is blooming here: the Apostolate is going to be worldwide. It is already international, but it is going to be worldwide,” he said one day. And today we can respond: “Yes, Mr. João, it IS worldwide; and do you know why? Because, by God’s will, one man was able to move the whole world.”

Photos: Marcia Kazumi

Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías