The traditional Pentecost Mass was held in El Rocío, bringing together thousands of faithful at the Paseo Marismeño. The ceremony, organized by the Matriz de Almonte, included the participation of numerous filial groups and brotherhoods, maintaining last year's location which accommodates a larger number of attendees. The event took place under an overcast sky that mitigated the heat.
The liturgical procession began the Mass shortly after ten in the morning. The musical accompaniment was provided by a choir of 80 voices, composed of members from the choirs of the filial groups of Seville and Huelva, under the direction of Manuel Pérez. The repertoire included references to the upcoming August 'Venida' (Procession).
The liturgy was presided over by the bishop of Huelva, Santiago Gómez Sierra, who in his homily reflected on the diversity of the pilgrims, represented by the different 'simpecados' (banners). He pointed out that, despite differences, there is 'a single heart that beats for the Virgen del Rocío'.
The bishop denounced the loneliness and division that mark today's society, contrasting it with the unity promoted by the Holy Spirit. He emphasized that 'a communion that is not uniformity' is possible and that the Church can show the world that 'reconciliation and unity among people and nations is possible'.
Gómez Sierra stated that the 'shared creed' unites more than political or social identities, and that in El Rocío a 'happy unity' is experienced where 'many barriers disappear: the rich and the poor, the old and the young'. He urged the pilgrims to 'guard unity', to 'return to the source of unity, which is God', and to 'carry the spirit of El Rocío into daily life'.




