This afternoon the Monastery of Los Jerónimos was the venue of the International Youth Prayer Vigil with Mary in celebration of the visit of the image of Our Lady of Ephesus, which is travelling on pilgrimage to different parts of Spain.

The event was attended by young people from the Region of Murcia and neighbouring provinces, and was being followed from more than 30 countries via streaming. The Vigil was also attended by José Luis Mendoza, president of the UCAM, who gave a message of encouragement to the young people so that they can have an encounter with Jesus Christ at some point in their lives through the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

The liturgical celebration was presided over by the priest José Alberto Cánovas, vice-rector of Religious Affairs of the UCAM, accompanied by Antonio Alcaraz, vice-rector of University Outreach, and Luis Emilio Pascual, senior chaplain of the Catholic University of Murcia.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, at 8:30h, at the Temple of the Monastery of Los Jerónimos, the recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place. Then, at 9:00h, the he Eucharist, with the image of the Our Lady of Ephesus present, will be celebrated.

Our Lady of Ephesus

The image of Our Lady of Ephesus, which has been on pilgrimage throughout Spain since May, departed from Ephesus, the place to which tradition indicates that Mary went with the Apostle John after the crucifixion of Jesus. In Ephesus the image was blessed by the Capuchins who guard the house of the Virgin. They then travelled to our country to undertake this pilgrimage.