Aglona pilgrimage draws 1,500 worshippers as prayers focus on peace

About 1,500 pilgrims have gathered at Aglona Basilica, a church in Latvia, for the annual celebrations, with peace the main focus of their prayers, LSM reported.

Friday’s programme is dedicated to St Meinard’s Day, one of the most important days of the celebrations. Pilgrims and guests from across Latvia and abroad have gathered at the basilica, with many spending several days travelling to Aglona.

Security concerns have affected the atmosphere this year but have not reduced people’s desire to attend. During the night, a warning about a threat to the airspace briefly interrupted the pilgrims’ rest, and some sought shelter in the basement of the Aglona Catholic Gymnasium.

Bruno, a young pilgrim from the Ogres and Salaspils congregations, said he had spent 11 days on the road. He had hoped to sleep properly after arriving in Aglona, but the warning sounded at 4 a.m., waking the pilgrims and sending them to the basement.

Ilmārs Tolstovs, priest of the Salaspils and Ogre Catholic congregations, said fear and anxiety should not become the strongest feelings among the pilgrims. He urged them to follow state laws and all safety regulations while praying for God’s protection and blessing.

This year’s celebrations are also taking place during the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis, marking 800 years since his death. At Aglona, people are giving thanks for the opportunity to gather and praying for peace.