The opening ceremony was presided over by the Bishop of Huelva, Santiago Gómez Sierra, at the Sanctuary, drawing numerous pilgrims. During his homily, the prelate emphasized the transformative nature of the Jubilee, linking it with the solemnity of the Assumption as a spiritual journey towards God and eternal life.
Under the theme ‹Follow His Steps›, the Jubilee Year serves as an invitation to follow Mary on her path to Christ. The bishop recalled how the Virgin embarked on her own journey, carrying Jesus and the "true joy" that the people of Almonte eagerly await.
“"Do whatever he tells you"
The liturgical events commenced at the Coronation Monument, from where a procession proceeded towards the Sanctuary, accompanied by the Drummer School and a floral offering from the Young Group of the Hermandad Matriz.
Following the Eucharist, Santiago Padilla, president of the Hermandad Matriz de Almonte, noted that this opening culminates a process that began in 2012 with the first Jubilee Year for the bicentennial of El Rocío Chico, and continued in 2019 with the centenary of the Canonical Coronation. The upcoming arrival of the Virgin to Almonte now marks a new milestone.
The religious program will continue with the Triduum of El Rocío Chico, the traditional Vow of Thanksgiving renewed annually, culminating on August 19th with the highly anticipated arrival of the Virgin to Almonte.
