They conquered the mountain! Once again, the Schoenstatt Boys’ Youth took on the challenge of crossing the Andes Mountains. From January 15 to 30, some 130 young people and several moderators from different countries marched along challenging and impressive trails between Argentina and Chile.
In 2026, young people from Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Mexico, and the United States participated in Mary’s Crusade. The hike begins at the Schoenstatt Shrine in Mendoza (Argentina) and ends at the Cenacle Shrine in Bellavista (Chile), covering more than 400 kilometers.
Each day required them to walk between 25 and 30 kilometers, leaving at dawn and arriving at rest stops around noon. During the walk, there are moments of silence, personal reflection, group prayer, and the celebration of Holy Mass at the end of each stage.
This year’s motto, “Pilgrim in Covenant, lift your heart,” is an invitation to look beyond one’s own limits and rediscover the meaning of life and faith.
The Mary’s Crusade was first held in 1999. Since then, it has taken place every three years, becoming a sign of faith, unity, and fraternity among the countries of America.
A testimony from the 2026 Mary’s Crusade
Valentín Frías, from Salta, Argentina, recounts:
In 2023, after returning from the Boy’s encounter named “Ignis”, I came across Mary’s Crusade on Instagram. I saw how the international Boys’ Youth crossed the Andes, ignited by their love for God and the Blessed Mother.
Something was ignited within me—a flame that grew with each apostolate, each retreat, and each mission.
Three years later, God gave me the grace to live the Crusade and fulfill that desire I had kept in my heart. Arriving in Mendoza, meeting those who would become friends over the days, and beginning a journey that forges a deep bond: in every silence, in every rosary, in every prayer… Everything is transformed into energy that drives us forward, regardless of blisters, the sun, or fatigue.
On that journey, I also felt great pride in representing the Boys’ Youth of Salta and my province, carrying with me their faces, their faith, and their spirit.
“Pilgrim in Covenant, lift your heart”
This was the motto of the 2026 Crusade. Lift your heart to offer it to God in his immensity, reflected in the nature that surrounds us. The Crusade often becomes a metaphor for life itself: difficulties, challenges, strengths, bonds, and discouragement.
That is why the arrival at Christ the Redeemer was so special: reaching the summit at 3,800 meters above sea level, halfway through our pilgrimage, amid songs and flags. An encounter with Christ to recharge our energies and continue on our way, renewed in God’s love.
The arrival in Bellavista, in Santiago, Chile, was deeply moving. Regardless of the 440 kilometers traveled, the desire to run and arrive was uncontrollable. Emotions were running high.
Tears of happiness at reaching the shrine together with our brothers from the Crusade and the branch members we carried in our hearts throughout this pilgrimage. Tears also of nostalgia, because what for many was a dream come true after much prayer was coming to an end.
With the certainty that wherever the Blessed Mother is, that is our home, even if we are far from our own land.
Mary’s Crusade… let’s go!
With information from schoenstatt.org.ar
