“Who am I, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Lk 1:42–43)

The Sisters Adorers community in Calama, Chile, experienced a true time of grace during the visit of Our Lady of Ayquina to St. John the Baptist Cathedral, as part of the Jubilee Year 2025 celebrations.

The Virgin of the People

Our Lady of Ayquina, deeply venerated by the people of northern Chile, represents Our Lady of the Rosary. She is a humble and familiar Marian devotion, closely tied to local culture. According to tradition, her image was found in the desert by shepherds and has since been revered as a protective and compassionate mother, attentive to the needs of the most humble.

Her sanctuary is located in the small village of Ayquina, over 3,000 meters above sea level and about 74 km from Calama. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. Every year, at the end of August and beginning of September, thousands of faithful walk to the site to participate in her feast—a celebration that combines Catholic devotion with cultural expressions of Indigenous peoples: dance, music, and traditional dress.

Days of Prayer, Adoration, and Vocational Mission

From May 13 to 18, 2025, the Virgin’s visit to Calama’s cathedral became the center of prayer and reconciliation gatherings. One of the most meaningful events was the Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations, led by Sister Manuela, a Sister Adorer, and Father Nicolás, responsible for vocational ministry.

Lay Adorers and members of the Schoenstatt Movement, who support the Sisters Adorers’ social mission in Calama, also joined. In an atmosphere of praise and intercession, prayers were offered for priestly, religious, marital, and lay vocations, asking God to continue calling generous hearts.

4 Lights, One Call: To Serve in Love

One of the most touching moments was when four people entered the church carrying lit candles, symbols of the light of Christ that each vocation is called to bear:

• A married couple, witness to faithful, fruitful, and everyday love. A reflection of Christ’s love for His Church that brings light through family life.
  • A religious sister, sign of total dedication to God.
  • A priest, servant of the altar, the Word, and the people of God.
  • A committed layperson, called to sanctify the world through daily life.

Each of these vocations, distinct but united in origin, is born from God’s loving call. As they approached the altar, we were reminded that each person is also called to be a living flame in the Church.

A Farewell That Leaves a Mark

Sisters Nancy and Gladys participated in the farewell celebrations: Eucharists and Rosary prayers filled the church with emotion and gratitude. Many felt that the Virgin remained with them—as comfort in trials, strength in struggles, and hope on the journey.

Her presence in Calama was a living sign that God continues walking with His people, especially through the maternal heart of Mary.