On August 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., the Archdiocese of Guayaquil, Ecuador, celebrated the Jubilee of Health Professionals at the National Shrine of Schoenstatt, Shrine Family of the Father, Home for the World.
The event brought together doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, and all personnel working in the Archdiocese’s health institutions.
The Archdiocese’s health institutions (REDIMA, Fundasen, Fundación Santa Isabel) were in charge of organizing the event. Doctors and nurses from public and private health entities in the city of Guayaquil also participated. Approximately 500 people experienced this day of pilgrimage to Mother’s house.
The Shrine, a special place of pilgrimage
The Jubilee Year takes place every 25 years in the Catholic Church. Within the Jubilee Year of 2025, whose motto on this occasion is “Pilgrims of Hope”, the aim is that, throughout this period, all the faithful, in their various professions, trades, and vocations, participate in a Jubilee Church to obtain the special graces and plenary indulgence that are received in this holy year.
The Archdiocese chose the Shrine for this pilgrimage because it is a Jubilee Church. It is also a place imbued with the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who welcomes healthcare professionals to renew their vocation to life.
Italo Alcívar, who is part of the organizing team for this event, says: “Based on some of the testimonies we collected and the evaluation of the event, we exceeded attendance expectations (+500). They loved the place, which allowed them to pray, and they were comforted to know that it was a Marian shrine. Everyone liked the gesture of making contributions to the Capital of Grace. I think it crowned the jubilee in a way.”
The Jubilee event for Health Professionals of the Archdiocese of Guayaquil enriched the Shrine of the Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt, since this place of grace has a dynamic that is effective in proportion to its pilgrims. In the words of our founder, Father Joseph Kentenich, their visit exerts a “gentle pressure” on the Blessed Mother so that she remains among us and works miracles of grace from the shrine in every pilgrim who visits her.
Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías
