Young pilgrims from the Iberian Province participate in the “Javierada 2023”

Last March 11, 250 pilgrims from all over the Iberian Province gathered in Navarra to participate in the “Javierada 2023”. After three years since the last pilgrimage, the illusion has remained intact, and the school of Sarriguren welcomed the arrival of buses full of young people to live this experience.

On Friday, 10 March, they arrived in the city of Pamplona, where they enjoyed a stroll through the center and discovered the streets through which the Sanfermines take place, the city’s hallmark. After lunch and some rest time, they went to school. There they met their fellow travelers, shared their knowledge about St. Francis Xavier and his mission and brought to their prayer all that was to come.

On Saturday, 11 March, the real adventure began: almost 22 km of pilgrimage between Nardués and the Castle of Javier. The day dawned perfect for the walk, mixing sun, clouds and some sporadic showers. After a comforting hot chocolate and broth for lunch, they returned to the route, to reach the castle of Javier, where they shared together the Eucharist of thanksgiving with thousands of other pilgrims.

This “Javierada” of reunion has served to become aware that they are part of a huge family, the family of the Church, and that the encounter is a source of life.