In the Marist mission of Sahagún, Spain, June is a lively month for the community, filled with celebrations and welcoming pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
On the 12th of June, the calendar marks the feast day of Saint Juan of Sahagún. Honoring this local 15th century Augustinian friar, the town united for a solemn novena from June 3rd to 12th at the saint’s dedicated church, keeping time-honoured traditions alive. Meanwhile, festivities organised by the municipal committees added colour and splendour to the celebrations: music and theatre festivals, concerts, open-air dances and the bullfighting festivals. Naturally, the Marist community got caught up in the atmosphere, and joined some of the festive events and religious services.
Amidst the lively programme of events, the Marist pilgrim hostel - Albergue Santa Cruz - is experiencing its peak season, offering hospitality in the manner of Mary, "with a mother's heart". Although pilgrim traffic dipped slightly compared to last year, the spirit remains incredibly diverse. Pilgrims hail from over 60 nationalities, led by visitors from the United States, Spain, and South Korea. This mission thrives thanks to the dedicated international team of volunteers who spend 2-4 weeks helping out at the hostel. Together with the Marist community, they enjoy both the sacred and the festive celebrations, making June in Sahagún a great experience for locals and pilgrims alike.
Volunteer with us | Whether you want to help at the albergue or you feel called to join one of our other missions, visit our website to discover how you can volunteer with the Marists in Europe (and beyond!) to make a lasting impact.
