Thanksgiving party for the Relic of San Lorenzo in the town of Tarapacá

During the night of Saturday, April 27, on the esplanade of the San Lorenzo de Tarapacá parish, the Eucharist was celebrated on the eve of the festival in thanksgiving for the relic of San Lorenzo. More than 2,000 pilgrims gathered in front of the temple to receive the image of San Lorenzo. The mayor of the Huara commune, Mr. José Bartolo Vinaya, was also present.

There was an emotional moment at the beginning of the mass, where tribute was paid to the last martyrs of the Carabineros of Chile. The Eucharist was presided over by the parish priest, Father Benito Tapia, concelebrated by Father Armando Vergara and Deacon Cristopher Pérez, Redemptorist missionary. In the homily, Father Benito invited us to pray with faith and strength to ask for peace for our country, and also called to be, like Lorenzo, true followers of Christ. Midnight was welcomed with songs and joy, when, together with the band, the anthem was sung in honor of San Lorenzo. Then, together with the choir, the motto that accompanies the festival was sung.

On Sunday, April 29, in the town of Tarapacá, in the morning, Father Armando Vergara presided over the mass for the holiday, concelebrated by Father Benito Tapia. In the homily the father highlights the importance of remaining united to the source of life, like the cluster to the vine, referring to the gospel of the day.

At the end of the mass, the traditional raising of the national flag took place, followed by traditional dances. Later, with a large number of faithful present, the procession began through the streets of the town, with the images of the Risen Christ, the Virgin of Candelaria and San Lorenzo. Religious dances with their songs and prayers accompanied each of the blessed images. When the procession arrived, the national anthem was sung and the temple was entered, where Father Benito Tapia blessed the pilgrims and introduced the new alferado.

Source: Iquique Communications
Tarapacá, 05-01-2024