Cardinal Nzapalainga Urges Beninese Catholics to Deepen Faith in Christ at 72nd Annual Marian Pilgrimage

He invoked the intercession of the Virgin Mary, asking for peace, unity, justice, reconciliation, protection of families and guidance for the faithful.

“May Our Lady of Arigbo (Dassa-Zoumé) obtain peace and unity in our countries,” he implored.

Held on the theme “With Mary, let us love the poor,” the August 21-23 pilgrimage brought together faithful from various dioceses in Benin, as well as pilgrims from the sub-region and abroad.

The theme challenged participants to not only pray before Mary but also to learn from her example how to “look at, listen to, welcome, and serve” people who are often marginalized by society.

The pilgrimage featured Masses, Eucharistic adoration, conferences, confessions, the Stations of the Cross, a torchlight Rosary procession and celebrations involving different dioceses, groups and communities.

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The pilgrimage began on Friday, August 21, with Masses, Eucharistic adoration and gatherings of different groups leading up to the opening Mass, presided over by Bishop François Xavier Ghanbodè Gnonhossou of Dassa-Zoumè.

On Saturday, August 22, pilgrims entered more deeply into the spiritual program through the conference on the pilgrimage theme, diocesan celebrations and a special Mass for the sick.

Another major moment was the Stations of the Cross, during which pilgrims walked through the hills of Dassa while meditating on the Passion of Christ.