50,000 Mexicans making pilgrimage to shrine of Guadalupe to end violence
More than 50,000 pilgrims from the central Mexican state of Querétaro are making an annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City this month.
The pilgrimage, which takes place this year from July 2-18, covers a 310 mile stretch. This is the 120th year that people from Querétaro have made the pilgrimage. The theme for this year is “That Mexico may have a dignified life and that peace may reign.”
During the trek, the participants will participate in guided reflections and spiritual direction. They are being accompanied by 50 priests and seminarians who are in charge of the spiritual aspects of the journey.
Another group of people from Querétaro plans to make the pilgrimage on bicycles. The column of cyclists will leave on July 16th and arrive at the same time as their compatriots on foot.
When the entire group arrives at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, they will be received by the basilica’s rector, Monsignor Diego Monroy. Bishop Mario Gasperín from their home diocese of Querétaro will also be present and will celebrate a Mass for the pilgrims at the shrine.
The shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe commemorates an apparition of the Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego in Mexico during the Spanish occupation of the country. She has since been named patroness of the Americas and of the unborn.