Carora Diocese announces details for Virgin of Chiquinquirá's 23rd visit

The Diocese of Carora is preparing to host the 23rd visit of the Virgin of Chiquinquirá of Aregue and the 20th March of Faith, an event that promises to be a significant spiritual gathering. The diocese officially announced the details during a press conference held at the Diocesan Curia, expressing joy and anticipation for the upcoming celebrations.

The pilgrimage is scheduled to commence on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The sacred image will begin its journey with a solemn Eucharist at the Diocesan Sanctuary in Aregue, officiated by Father Ernesto Camacho, marking the formal start of the visit in the San Juan pastoral zone. Following the mass, the image will depart Aregue around 4:00 p.m., with an estimated arrival in Carora by 5:00 p.m., proceeding along Avenida Pedro León Torres and Avenida 14 de Febrero.

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With the Virgin of Chiquinquirá and Saint Francis, a simple and fraternal faith flourishes

Upon arrival, the image will be received at the Nuestra Señora del Carmen parish for the central welcome mass. Unlike previous years, the itinerary will not include an overnight stay at the local stadium. Instead, the image will progressively visit all parishes. The schedule outlines visits to Nuestra Señora del Carmen (August 16-20), San José de Calasanz (August 20-24), Sagrada Familia (August 24-28), Beata María de San José (August 28-September 2), Sagrado Corazón de Jesús e Inmaculada Concepción de María (September 2-6), Santuario Siervas del Santísimo (September 6-10), and San José de Calicanto (September 10-14).

Bishop Carlos Enrique Curiel Herrera highlighted the official theme for 2026: "With the Virgin of Chiquinquirá and Saint Francis, a simple and fraternal faith flourishes." He explained that this message resonates with the current historical and spiritual moment, aiming to revive faith amidst difficulties and foster fraternity. The visit of the "mother of God" is intended to inspire communion and solidarity, particularly with those who suffer most.

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This message responds profoundly to the current historical and spiritual moment. The visit of the mother of God seeks to make faith, which can sometimes wither in the face of difficulties, flourish simply and lead to fraternity, responding to God's love manifested through a maternal face that invites communion and solidarity with those who suffer most.