Thousands of pilgrims observe traditional Pentecost at Șumuleu Ciuc in Romania

Following the centenary tradition, some of the faithful stopped first in the Franciscan cathedral to pray before walking through the Umuleu hill towards the outdoor altar where the Mass was a hero.

Many of the pilgrims who departed a few weeks ago had traveled almost a thousand kilometers in Via Mariae, a spiritual journey that begins in Mariazell, Austria, and follows a cross on the map of Central Europe that ends with Pentecost.

Most claim that they pray for understanding, health and peace.

One of the routes, called The Cross of the Cross, begins near the Franciscan Church and presents 14 crosses that symbolize the places where Jesus stopped in Golgotha.

“That’s why I come here. I believe in the Virgin Mary, she does miracles. And beighes, she is very beautiful! A man said. And that’s why I come too. I am very happy to come here along with my whole family,” he added.

Another pilgrim said he came to attend the Mass. “I also attended it in the last two years, and I like it. I like to see that the people of Europe came here.”

The pilgrimage to Sumuleu Ciuc dates back to 450 years and is linked to a historical event in 1576, when the Prince of Transylvania, John Sigismund, tried to impose religion would unite the novel Catholics of the region, of the Teorghen dryers, finally failed.

According to local authorities, more than 300,000 people attended the event last year.