The tribute to the Our Lady Reconciler of Peoples began with a retreat led by Fr. Enrique Yanes, which was attended by pilgrims who filled the facilities.
Friday, March 25, 2022, marked the 46th anniversary of the first manifestation of the Blessed Virgin at Finca Betania – today Marian Diocesan Sanctuary Mary Reconciler of Peoples – to the Servant of God Maria Esperanza Medrano Bianchini.
The occasion was perfect for Fr. Enrique Yanes to join the Holy Father in consecrating mankind, especially Russia and Ukraine, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, with the prayer that Pope Francis pronounced at the end of the liturgy of penance in the Basilica of Saint Peter, on the afternoon of Friday, March 25, Solemnity of the Annunciation. “On March 25, 1976, the Blessed Virgin manifested herself as Reconciler of All Peoples, and in this sanctuary today we have brought to our lips, as an act of faith in the presence of hundreds of faithful, this Marian title begging Our Lady for world peace”, were Fr. Enrique’s words.
Fr. Yanes also held a retreat, during which, among other aspects, he reflected on the importance of the Rosary as the best summary of the Gospel, of the life of Christ, in an organized manner. It begins with the most powerful prayer of all, the Our Father that contains everything that is needed to be happy; followed by ten Hail Marys, with the words with which the mystery of salvation began.
In the afternoon, at 3:30 p.m., the Bishop of the Diocese of Los Teques, Bishop Freddy Fuenmayor, presided over the Eucharist, accompanied by several priests, with the participation of the Betania Choir, to commemorate such an important date. He explained in an interview to the media: “Having a title that says Mary Reconciler of Peoples is very important for us, because we have to pray to her and join the prayer of our Holy Father Francis, who today in Rome has consecrated Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”
After the Eucharist, Bishop Fuenmayor inaugurated and blessed the new monument of the Annunciation of the Lord, erected in the Sanctuary of Betania, located next to the grotto and preceded by fifteen scenes of the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which include biblical quotes of the pivotal moments of her life, captured in beautiful hand-painted murals.
This beautiful ceremony culminated with the coronation of Our Lady Reconciler of Peoples and a birthday cake, which was sung with great fervor and enthusiasm by all those present at the site.
