Road closures, liturgical programs, and a fundraising campaign mark this year’s “Pilgrims of Hope” gathering.Continue reading
The Black Madonna pilgrimage train departed from Budapest on Monday, bound for the shrine of the Virgin Mary in Częstochowa, Poland.
At the farewell ceremony, Attila Fülöp, State Secretary for Social Affairs, said that in light of global events, the pilgrimage train is needed now more than ever.
“May the pilgrims not only seek and find their own spiritual peace, but also bring peace and calm to the wider community,” he said. He added that, as in previous years, children in state care are also traveling on the train—an experience that helps them connect with others and may have a lasting impact on their lives.
Attila Fülöp, State Secretary for Social Affairs at the Ministry of the Interior. Photo: MTI/Kocsis Zoltán
László Budai, organizer of the pilgrimage train and head of Misszió Tours, said that about 600 pilgrims are traveling to Poland on the train, with approximately 150 of the participants coming from Transylvania. University students and young people in care are also taking part in the program.
The destination is the monastery in Częstochowa, founded by Hungarian Pauline monks. A rich spiritual program awaits the pilgrims, who will also attend Holy Mass on Thursday at the Basilica of St. John Paul II in Krakow.
Tamás Dibáczi, passenger services director at MÁV Zrt., recalled that
since the start of their cooperation in 2011, Misszió Tours and the MÁV-Volán Group have transported around 34 pilgrim trains and 25,000 passengers to various domestic and international pilgrimage destinations.
Ferenc Palánki, Bishop of Debrecen-Nyíregyháza and spiritual leader of the pilgrim train. Photo: MTI/Kocsis Zoltán
Ferenc Palánki, Bishop of Debrecen-Nyíregyháza and spiritual leader of the pilgrimage train, said that “the places to be visited bear witness to the devotion of God’s people.” Returning from these places, the pilgrims come back strengthened in their Christian life and “ready to practice the works of love as perfectly as possible.”
“We pilgrims bring examples of our faith, hope, and love, so that both locals and fellow pilgrims may be enriched spiritually,” said the bishop.
Via MTI; Featured image: MTI/Zoltán Kocsis