Youth from CLM Chile walk towards the Shrine of St. Teresa of the Andes
On Saturday, October 12th, the Christian Life Movement (CLM) of Chile, together with Saint Joseph School, joined over 50,000 young people in the 34th Youth Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Teresa of the Andes. This massive 27-kilometer walk, which brings together youth from different regions of Chile, is one of the largest displays of youth faith in the country.
Pilgrims of the MVC Chile.
For our brother, Fr. Carlos Zamalloa, who accompanied the pilgrims, “it is an occasion to be the Church and participate in the event that brings the most youth together in Chile for the same ideal. It seeks to make visible that faith is lived in community. It is a long journey whose goal is holiness, and together we look up to an example in the young St. Teresa of the Andes.”
Chile’s first saint
St. Teresa of the Andes was a young Chilean Carmelite, born in 1900, known for her life of prayer and deep devotion to the Lord Jesus. She entered the convent at 19 and, though she passed away shortly after at 20, her life was an example of total surrender, and her testimony continues to inspire many. She was canonized by Pope St. John Paul II in 1993, becoming the first Chilean saint.
Sanctuary of Saint Teresa of the Andes.
Today, her tomb at the Shrine of Auco-Rinconada de Los Andes is a pilgrimage site for thousands of faithful who seek to follow her example of consecrated life.
Words from the pilgrims
Javiera Ubilla from CLM Chile shared, “The main motivation was the opportunity to walk alongside the movement for a cause greater than ourselves. The pilgrimage made me see the power of faith and all that love is capable of doing“. She also highlighted that, despite it being her first time participating, it was an experience that left a deep mark on her.
Marcela Sansarricq, an alumna of Saint Joseph, expressed, “I am very struck by the number of people who are moved by faith and how they sacrifice at least one day of their lives to meet the goal of the walk and put all their intentions into practice. It is very enriching to see people of all ages participate, from children to the elderly, including people with disabilities, among others.”
Finally, Lucas Soto, a senior at Saint Joseph, commented, “I managed to find peace and enjoy the experience itself. Despite being quite exhausting, it was an incredible experience that I would gladly repeat, as it allowed me to draw even closer to God.”