The final, 7th day of the second stage of our pilgrimage has arrived. It was the longest day (27 km), the most varied in terms of weather (ranging from a gentle breeze to strong sunshine to rain that seemed to herald a storm), and, finally, immensely rich in spiritual and communal experiences.
After adoration, the Mass, and breakfast in Kirchdorf am Inn-Ritzing, we set out first toward Marktl am Inn, the hometown of Pope Benedict XVI. We traveled to this point individually (primarily in formation groups). There we had lunch together and then set off together on the rest of our journey to the destination of our pilgrimage, Altötting.
Upon arriving in the town (in the rain) and freshened up at our lodging, the entire community, wearing our pilgrimage T-shirts and singing, walked to the Shrine of the Black Madonna of Altötting to pay homage to Mary in the Chapel of Graces. After praying together in this extraordinary place, we went on a short tour of Altötting, visiting, among other sites, the relics of St. Brother Konrad, a Capuchin friar venerated in this region. And to finish off the day, we enjoyed a communal pizza for dinner.
We conclude our pilgrimage with great gratitude for the grace of sharing this journey, for the new people we’ve met, for the wealth of experiences, and above all for God’s guidance each day. With deep emotion, we stood before Mary of Altötting today, to entrust to her the intention for new priestly, religious, and missionary vocations, the communities and individuals who hosted us along the pilgrimage route, as well as all those who asked us for prayer and to whom we promised it. Tomorrow we will pass the baton to the next group. May the Lord guide you...
