Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage Begins with World Youth Days Cross in San Luigi Gonzaga

It was a deeply moving and participative evening that marked the beginning of the diocesan pilgrimage with the wooden cross of the World Youth Days. In the town of San Luigi Gonzaga, the patron saint of youth worldwide, the cross returned here after departing in July 2000. It previously gathered young people last August at Tor Vergata, near Rome.

Following a day full of initiatives highlighting the symbol of Christianity, the evening concluded with the Liturgy of the Word, presided over by Bishop Caporello.

Readings and remembrance of Giovanni Paolo II

Several readings filled the prayer vigil, ranging from the Pope’s message to the youth to a letter written by Gonzaga to his mother Marta Tana shortly before his death in June 1591. The bishop emotionally recalled Pope John Paul II’s visit to Castiglione delle Stiviere in 1991, his prayer at the sanctuary, and the subsequent World Day in Czestochowa, Poland.

At that time, Giovanni Paolo II told Caporello: «What I experienced in Castiglione helped me», referring to San Luigi and the inspiration the Holy Father drew from him.

The torchlight procession and evening activities

After the celebration at the basilica, bustling with young people and faithful from all over the diocese, the torchlight procession took place toward the castle: a long column of lights and candles in prayer towards Luigi’s hometown, with the wooden cross always at the center, flanked in front by Monsignor Caporello, Vicar Monsignor Faglioni, and the head of the basilica’s rectory, Don Maurizio Luzzara.

From the recently restored parish center’s stands, the parish priest Don Marino Barbieri reaffirmed the role of the new oratory as the house of San Luigi, while the bishop highlighted the growing enthusiasm within the Catholic youth scene of the Mantua parishes.

After the blessing of the castle, there were songs and readings, ending with a joyful celebration and refreshments.

Upcoming steps of the pilgrimage

This morning, the cross will depart from Castiglione heading towards Solferino, then continue to Cavriana, Volta, and Goito. The pilgrimage will visit various parts of the diocese, concluding in Mantua on April 1st.