Hispanic Community Embarks on Spiritual Pilgrimage to Blue Army Shrine

On Saturday, May 25th, the Hispanic community from the Diocese embarked on a heartfelt pilgrimage to the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fati-ma. Organized by the Office of Hispanic Evangelization, this annual event gathered many on a beautiful, sunny day for an encounter of friendship, prayer and devotion on sacred grounds.

This pilgrimage has been a cherished tradition for many years, offering a space where people can encounter Our Lady of Fatima’s message of prayer, repentance and conversion. The Eucharistic presence of our Lord is the heart of the shrine, and the Holy House Chapel serves as the centerpiece of the retreat center. The Holy House Chapel is a scale replica of the Holy House of Loreto, the home of the Holy Family in Italy, constructed with stones from the original Holy House mixed into the mortar. It is truly a privilege for us in New Jersey to have such a sacred site close at hand.

The day’s program was filled with Adoration, Reconciliation, the Holy Rosary and Holy Mass. For many, including myself, it was a first-time experience joining the Hispanic community on this faith journey. The day began with a holy hour featuring music from the charismatic diocesan group, allowing us to immerse in the Lord’s presence. Confessions were offered in different areas of the garden, preparing us for the day’s events. The community then prayed the Rosary, walking through the Rosary Garden adorned with inspiring images. Amid150 acres of scenic farmland, the mysteries were recited with deep devotion. Lunchtime brought everyone together to share traditional foods, enhancing the sense of community and fellowship.

Eugenio and Teresa Porras, who have served in many parishes in our Diocese for over 20 years and currently worship at the Parish of Saint John the Evangelist in Dunellen, described the day as a small retreat for the soul, a time to come home to the Lord and reconnect with friends. Itis a spiritual family journey.

Mirna Mendez and Audelio Chapa-no, proclaimers of the Word from Saint John the Evangelist Parish, shared how much they have enjoyed the peace and joy of coming with their family over the past four years. They experience God’s presence in the surrounding nature while walking to the Chapel in a, a replica of the chapel at Fatima where Our Lady appeared. This chapel houses an image of the Pilgrim Virgin statue used in Fatima processions. Many light candles here including Mendez and Chapano, placing their intentions and trusting in our Mother’s intercession.

The beautiful gardens feature im-ages of our Blessed Mother in various vocations. In these serene moments, observing families growing in faith and feeling the breeze and sunshine, we felt the presence of the Lord and our Blessed Mother rejoicing with us as we lived our faith together as a community.

The pilgrimage concluded with a joyful and reverent Mass, presided over by Father Nicolas Norena from the Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Father Gustavo Rodriguez and Deacon Edgard Chaves, co-directors of the Hispanic Office of Evangelization, along with Deacons Sergio Diaz, Fritz Molina, Vidal Gonzalez, and Jose Miguel Suarez, also served during the Mass.

Deacon Sergio Diaz delivered the homily, reflecting on a powerful moment in the Gospel where Jesus questions, “Who are my mother and my brothers? “This profound declaration about the nature of God’s kingdom emphasizes the inclusivity of his love. Jesus teaches us that the gift of God present in him transcends the privileged bonds of blood relations. He redefines family as those who do the will of God, forming connections of true, limitless love. This new family of God reaches out and embraces the most excluded, marginalized and poor among us, embodying the essence of the Chris-tian community – a family united by love and commitment to God’s will