This past weekend, Salta, a city in Argentina’s Salta Province, became the epicenter of a remarkable gathering.
Over 650,000 pilgrims flocked to the city to partake in the Feast of Our Lord and the Virgin of the Miracle.
Archbishop García Cuerva’s Reflections
At the heart of the celebration was Buenos Aires Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva, who led the Sunday Mass.
He began his homily with a poignant observation: “Words … are never enough, if what has to be said overflows the soul.”
García Cuerva, who had walked over 105 miles to Salta over four days, described the emotional depth of the event, emphasizing how difficult it is to articulate the experience of the Feast of the Miracle.
He spoke about finding strength in the cross of the Lord of the Miracle and acknowledged the shared human fragility and need for divine support.
Observing the pilgrims’ reverent gaze at the sacred images, he noted, “There was a communion of vision in a profound silence.”
Embracing Divine Mercy
García Cuerva expressed a deep desire for the pilgrims to be touched by the Lord’s merciful gaze, which he likened to the healing presence that had tended to their feet during the pilgrimage.
He spoke of tears as a cleansing force, enhancing their hope and vision for the future as Argentines.
Archbishop Cargnello’s Address
Salta’s Archbishop Mario Cargnello also shared his thoughts during the celebration.
He thanked the Lord of the Miracle for drawing the faithful to renew their covenant of love.
Cargnello acknowledged the collective burdens and hopes of the people, emphasizing the importance of opening hearts to divine guidance to live freely and do good.
He urged a collective focus on combating social issues such as violence, drug abuse, and poverty.
Highlighting the role of both the state and individual citizens, he called for a shift away from comfort and ostentation to aid the poorest and avoid actions that might exacerbate their suffering.
He concluded with a powerful reminder that the miracle stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith.
The Legacy of the Feast
The Feast of Our Lord and the Virgin of the Miracle has a storied history dating back to 1582, the founding year of Salta.
Fray Francisco de Victoria had promised to send an image of Christ to the town’s main church, which arrived a decade later.
The tradition was further solidified in 1692 when an earthquake caused widespread damage and panic.
Father José Carrión, a Jesuit priest, led the first procession with the crucified Christ, and the earthquakes eventually ceased.
Today, the Feast of Our Lord and the Virgin of the Miracle remains a cornerstone of faith in Argentina, celebrated by thousands who come to reaffirm their devotion to the patron saints of Salta.