Rome, 05 April 2024 – The activity that we carry out as a community today is the Marial pilgrimage. This agenda was set together during the community recollection on 17 February. The destination is The Shrine of Mentorella. I've never heard the name of this place before. I also don't know the history and stories that make this place a pilgrimage destination. I just follow what the community leaders choose. Together with my community friends, I enjoyed the trip to Mentorella with great joy. I took the initiative to open music on YouTube to accompany us along the way. The joy of the confreres in enjoying the songs I opened gave birth to a feeling of joy within themselves. One thing that made me a little afraid was the route we were taking. The road was really narrow and the car we were traveling in had to meander through the mountains.
When arriving at the destination, Father Marco gave an explanation of the history and stories that made the place a pilgrimage destination. There, we met the icon of Mary, Mother of All Grace (Madonna delle grazie). I don't really understand the story of the appearance. However, the testimony that made me feel very impressed with the place was the story of a visit from St. Benedict Abbas, St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. The presence of these three figures is actually a very capable representation in explaining the importance of Mentorella as a place of pilgrimage. I was truly amazed by the impression written by St. John Paul II. According to the Polish Saint, Mentorella is the safest place to pray. Apart from being far from noise, this place provides silence which is very helpful for contacting God. The testimony of the 264th Pope in the history of the Church is confirmed by the situation I experienced myself. The place is really quiet and quiet.
We recite the 5 Events of the Rosary as the main markers of the community pilgrimage. There are 4 languages used when reciting the Hail Mary, namely Italian, French, English and Spanish. We really enjoyed the atmosphere of this visit. Apart from filling oneself with spiritual immediacy after the Holy Week services, this visit is also an expression of community and personal gratitude for all the grace and gifts received from God. It is not a coincidence that the expression of gratitude took place at the shrine of Mary, Mother of All Grace-Mentorella.
Fr. Hiro Edison, SMM
