The international meeting of the workers of pilgrimage centers, sanctuaries and places of pilgrimage was held in the Vatican from January 19 to 21, 2016 in the framework of the Year of Mercy.
As Olena Kulyhina, the meeting participant reported to RISU, during an audience with the organizers of pilgrimages, which took place on Thursday, 21 January, in the village of Paul VI, Pope Francis emphasized that such kind of popular piety as pilgrimage is nothing but a very important form of evangelization which requires special support and development.
According to the Holy Father, the one taking part in the pilgrimage brings personal history and faith, and thus receives a personal experience of the individual and not mass spirituality. And the sanctuary and pilgrimage locations, to which the pilgrims come, are their home and a place where they can count on unconditional acceptance. As Ukrainian delegation was one of the largest (it represented 10 people) in these events, its head according to the audience protocol was provided with an opportunity to personally greet Pope Francis and tell him a few words.
“There is nothing is more important than the prayer for peace in Ukraine that we could ask in the situation that our country is going through the past few years. And as always, I was very pleased that Pope Francis, just hearing the word “Ukraine,” turned to me and said: “Glory to Jesus Christ!” in Ukrainian," said Vasyl Mikula, Director of Pilgrimage Center ‘Rafail’ told RISU.