Pilgrims start their way to Aglona / Article / LSM.lv

The first groups of pilgrims began to measure the long and difficult kilometers to Aglona on Monday. This year, far fewer believers will be able to take part in the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which brings together thousands of people every year. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, assembly restrictions have been imposed, and the Basilica Square will also be able to enter the main events only with special passes. –

Morning worship at Riga St. Albert Roman Catholic Church. Pilgrims receive the blessing before the journey.

This year a smaller group is going from the congregation to Aglona than in other years. About 30 people.

“You have to take care of others, not only – me, me. To be healthy, I don’t visit shops, large public places before, so that I can prepare for this pilgrimage,” reveals the pilgrim Sandra Kuznetsova.

Only special passes will be admitted to the events on August 14 and 15 in the sacred square of Aglona Basilica. 100 entrance cards have been distributed to the church. Less than willing.

If the situation in the country remains the same, up to 3,000 people will be able to attend the Aglona Festival. But if the epidemiological situation deteriorates, the number of participants is likely to decrease by 1,000.

In Aglona you will have to keep a distance of two meters from each other. Purchased disinfectants and gloves.

“Passes on hand. But how it will be organized, we will still see it. In some places we were denied accommodation because those rooms are too small to accommodate our group,” reveals Inese Katkovska.

“There will be more tents to sleep in. There will be a little more extreme. Plus all the sanitary laws, hand washing, distance,” says the pilgrim Kristaps Malahovskis. This will be his sixth pilgrimage to Aglona.

“If you go out to sleep in the open air, then you need to bring a tent, a sleeping bag and pillows to be pleasant, as well as the first necessary hygiene items,” adds the pilgrim Salvis Skalbiņš.

“We also have a refrigerator where food is stored. When lunch is prepared, everything will be filled here,” says Kaspars Šulcs, a member of the congregation.

Steam is already rising from the boiler in the church kitchen. The hostess prepares lunch for the pilgrims. Top solanka.

“I cook very full of food, because there is both mental and physical load on the road. I always try to cook a good meal so that there is no feeling of hunger after an hour,” says the pilgrim Inga Malahovska.

For her, this will be her fourth pilgrimage for food. “A philologist by education, I’m not a cook, but I really like to do it,” admits Inga Malahovska.

From Skaistkalne, everyone will go to Aglona. And by Monday evening plans to walk the first 14 of more than 200 kilometers.

“May God strengthen you, protect you, guide you and give you the necessary graces,” wishes Krišjānis Dambergs, the dean of the St. Albert Roman Catholic Church in Riga, to the pilgrims.

Pilgrims plan to reach Aglona on the evening of August 13.

CONTEXT:

At the beginning of July, the number of registered Covid-19 cases was observed in Latvia An increase. In response to the increase in morbidity, the government decided restore some restrictions cafes, and shorten the opening hours of cafes and restaurants.

In Latvia on June 10 ended Emergency to declare the new coronavir announced on 12 March. The virus is still circulating and there is no medicine or vaccine for it. Certain restrictions still apply to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

From August, 3,000 people can gather outside for events. Restrictions indoors depend on the size of the room. The two-meter distance is still valid. Mouth and nose masks are no longer mandatory in public transport.

This year, Covid-19 due to Aglona the festival will be heldsubject to special safety rules. Participation in the festival will be possible only with special invitations.

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