HANCEVILLE – This Saturday, Sept. 1, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament near Hanceville will host a pilgrimage day for the celebration of the Feast of the Divine Child Jesus, or El Divino Niño, a hugely popular festival among Latin America Catholics. The Shrine is preparing to receive around 2,000 visitors on that day, a massive upsurge from its typical 300 Saturday visitors.
According to a statement to The Tribune from Pilgrimage Manager Luke Johnasen, “The Divino Niño Festival is a celebration in which we honor the Divine Child Jesus (El Divino Nino Jesus). Mother Angelica (1923-2016), the foundress of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, had a great love and devotion for the Child Jesus. The Shrine was born of a request from the Divine Child to Mother to build a shrine where people of all faiths could adore Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament. This Festival helps to remind us that, as Scripture says, ‘Unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’ (Matt. 18:3).”
Johnasen also said about the Shrine, “Many people, Catholic and otherwise, come to pray at this spot dedicated to the Divine Child and populated with sisters vowed to a life inspired by Sts. Francis and Clare. In the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, all are welcomed in love as Catholics seek to grow in their love for the Eucharist and many others seek a quiet place to pray, often leaving with a greater knowledge of and respect for the Catholic Faith. Truly a manifestation of Divine Providence, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament remains a beautiful oasis of prayer, a true refuge for those seeking solace and peace in the arms of the Savior, and an ecumenical point of contact between Catholics and their brothers and sisters in Christ.”
According to the Shrine’s events page, activities will include Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, activities for the young, confessions, a mariachi band and a rosary procession. This is a free event and all faiths are welcome. Lunch will be available for purchase.
For more information, visit www.olamshrine.com/event/divine-child-jesus/ or call 256-787-4121.
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