“With Mary, building a homeland for all people”; Argentina prepares to celebrate Bicentennial Anniversary

AMERICA/ARGENTINA -

Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) – The Department of Laity of the Argentinean Bishops' Conference (DEPLAI) has called for a national movement for May 8, feast of the Virgin of Luján, the patron saint of Argentina, with which the laity begin the celebrations for the Bicentennial Anniversary of the country, which will last for six years. This is the period of time from after the formation of the first national government to the Declaration of Independence. The slogan is "With Mary, building a homeland for all people" and the campaign consists in lighting a candle and praying the Prayer for the Nation, an Our Father, and Hail Mary. There will be a central event in Lujan and other large gatherings in the different pastoral regions, but there is also an invitation to carry this out in all the streets, squares, and houses.
In the Archdiocese of Rosario, the meeting point, where there will be a main act for the bicentenary celebration, will be the National Monument to the Flag. The act of celebration will begin at 4:30pm with the participation of music groups. At 6:30pm, there will be a "Hymn to the Virgin of Luján" entitled "Mary and the Homeland," written and directed by Juanjo Cura, with the participation of choirs, orchestras, and theater groups from all over the city. At 7pm, Archbishop Jose Luis Mollaghan of Rosario will conduct a tribute to the Virgin from the Nation.
In Neuquén, the ecclesial movements have, in the capital of this province, organized the main event to be held at 2:30pm at the monument “San Martín.” There, they will light candles, pray, and sing the national anthem. Later, at the Cathedral, Mass will be celebrated.
Also, in Cordoba, there will be an official event to celebrate the Bicentennial. It will take place at the Basilica of Santo Domingo at 7:30pm, where people will pray to Our Lady of the Rosary of the Miracle, asking for her blessing upon all Argentineans and lighting a new light with the 2010-2012 slogan: "In Jesus we are all children. We become brothers and committed citizens."

(CE) (Agenzia Fides 30/04/2010)

Links:
DEPLAI site “Prayer for the Homeland”
http://www.oracionporlapatria.org.ar/

http://www.marypages.com/LadyLujan.htm

Posted via email from deaconjohn's posterous