Santo Domingo.- Hundreds of Dominicans attended this Saturday the Higuey Basilica (east) to venerate the image of the Virgin of Altagraciaconsidered the “spiritual mother and protector” of the country, in addition to participating in the Eucharists that are celebrated every year in the place for this date.
The main act dedicated to the deity was the mass celebrated by the bishop of the diocese of the province of La Altagracia, Jesús Castro, who reiterated the position of the Church against abortion in the presence of the Dominican president, Luis Abinader, who has expressed his support for the interruption of pregnancy in three grounds.
Castro also called for the unity of political parties, called for greater opportunities for youth, condemned the violence suffered by women, but also highlighted the “sudden and extraordinary” recovery of the Dominican economy after going through the pandemic, facing the effects of the Hurricane Fiona last year and the global crisis “that did us so much damage.”
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Many of the parishioners who went to the Catholic pilgrimage center told the media that they did so to thank the Virgin for having performed miracles on them, while there were those who visited the temple to keep promises and others to make them.
Believers come from practically all areas of the country, which is why the authorities have a special medical and road safety operation.
The masses in the basilica include one in Creole addressed to the Haitian devotees who also come every year to venerate the image of the Virgin, which the faithful usually touch and silently ask for their wishes.
The director of the Dominican Civil Defense, Juan Salas, reported that at least 400 people had been treated in the surroundings of the basilica due to dehydration and high blood pressure.
“We have arranged a broad operation in this place, as well as in the entire Autovía del Este and the Autopista de Las Américas with the aim of guiding drivers as best as possible, especially so that they reduce speed and do not drive if they have drunk alcohol. ”, the lifeguard told reporters.
Catholics also participated in masses in the Santo Domingo Cathedral and the Virgen de la Altagracia parish, located in the Colonial City.
