With Mary in the streets: Processions of Our Lady of Reconciliation in Lima and Callao

In the month of August in Peru, the members of our spiritual family know that it is a special time to walk, with devotion and love, some streets with Our Lady of Reconciliation. She, like a pilgrim, takes Jesus to different homes. In this note we tell you what happened in the month of August in Lima and Callao.

Preparations to accompany the various journeys of the Virgin Mary through the streets of Lima and Callao began with the novena to Our Lady of Reconciliation, in which many members of the Brotherhood and the spiritual family actively participated.

An emotional reunion: The procession of the Virgin in Santa Felicia

José Dávalos, steward of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Reconciliation of Lima, shared with us some details. This year, in addition to the central procession, processional routes and masses were held in the areas of Neptuno, Matazango and Santa Felicia.

Before the processions began, the members of the brotherhood gathered to prepare the anda, which weighs approximately 600 kg. “We welcome the new brothers in a ceremony in which their habits (for men) or capes (for women) are blessed and they wear them for the first time,” José explained to us. The ceremony included an Internal Tour, a brief procession inside the temple, which marks the beginning of the activities.

On this occasion, “the procession in Santa Felicia has been especially emotional and significant, since the image of Our Lady of Reconciliation has not visited this area for six years; it has been a very beautiful reunion,” said the steward, adding that the brotherhood has put “the fruits” of this celebration in God’s hands.

At one point during the procession, volunteers from Bridges participated, carrying green and blue balloons, walking alongside Mary. Later, some Sodalits paid tribute to her by giving her a bouquet of flowers and dedicating a song with deep devotion to Mary.

In addition, the Virgin’s float was taken to the School Our Lady of Reconciliation, where students of all ages, teachers, administrative staff and some parents attended. “It is moving to see the students joyfully receive the Virgin,” he concluded.

You can watch this summary video of this year’s procession on Instagram.

Twenty-four years walking the streets of Callao

Meanwhile, in Callao, members of the Brotherhood, commemorating their 24 years with the Mother, prepared to carry her on their shoulders and accompany her with songs and prayers. To do so, they participated in a spiritual day held on Sunday, August 11th, led by Fr. Marcio Paulo.

For the central procession, on Sunday 18th, Monsignor Humberto Tapia, bishop of the Diocese of Chachapoyas, invited by the parish priest, celebrated Mass which was attended by members of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Reconciliation of Callao and many people from the area.

At the end of the Eucharist, the Virgin’s float left the Mother Chapel of Reconciliation, accompanied by members of the MOVEC and the faithful who joined the procession through the streets.

Rosa Matza shared with us: “Being part of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Reconciliation is a blessing for me. Arriving on the day of the procession, walking through the streets of Callao, singing, praying the rosary, and offering incense to the Virgin, is an act of profound gratitude. She, who intercedes before the Lord, listens to us and guides us. That day, by announcing the Lord, we fulfill our mission, supporting his apostolate with devotion and fervor.”