Grandparents, parents and now children are keeping alive a rite that, for many, represents one of the little ones' first encounters with Our Lady of the Pillar. It is a tradition steeped in symbolism, for which a day and time must be booked in advance.
To take part, an appointment must be requested through the official website set up for this service, (mantodelavirgendelpilar.com), where the schedules for September and October are currently available. It is important to bear in mind that one appointment must be booked for each child, even when they are siblings or cousins and the family wants them to take part together on the same day.
HOW DOES THE PRESENTATION TAKE PLACE?
According to the procedure, children up to the age of 10 may take part. Families must go to the meeting point, located at the door of the Infanticos sacristy, approximately ten minutes before their scheduled time. There, the children are identified and access to the Virgin's shrine is organized.
The ceremony takes place from the third step leading to the shrine, and a prayer of consecration to Mary is recited during it. Children who can already walk are accompanied to the Virgin by an infantico or an assistant, while, in the case of babies, the father, mother or guardian presents them.
Families who would like to keep a memento of the occasion can also request a photograph from the professionals responsible for the official service. Once the ceremony is over, the children leave through the door of the Infanticos sacristy, where they meet their parents or guardians again.
The sanctuary also reminds visitors that anyone entering the Holy Chapel must wear clothing that is appropriate and respectful of the sacred nature of the site. The service may also be modified or suspended depending on the sanctuary's needs.
An appointment to present children under the mantle of Our Lady of the Pillar can be requested through the website mantodelavirgendelpilar.com.
