Antorcha Guadalupana arrived in Diocese at Falfurrias

The South Texas Human Rights Center and friends welcomed The Antorcha to Falfurrias on Oct. 31. The procession of The Antorcha of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a 16-year-old tradition in honor of Our Lady. The Antorcha left the Bascilica in Mexico City on Sept. 21, the International Day of Peace, and will arrive in New York City on Dec. 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Antorcha consists of a vehicle that carries two large and heavy paintings, one of Our Lady and one of Jesus in the Garden; a torch; a small gift shop; and five people and their travel items. We met The Antorcha at the outskirts of town and 16 cars formed a parade into Falfurrias. The group then left their cars and walked behind The Antorcha and took turns carrying the torch for the remaining mile to the South Texas Human Rights Center Center.

At the Center, Father Matthew of Sacred Heart Catholic Church led us in a ceremony to honor Our Lady and to remember the migrants who have died since last Nov. 1, 2013 attempting to cross through Brooks County. Each participant was able to share in the ceremony and then place a cross in our yard in remembrance.

The Antorcha crossed the border from Mexico into the United States on Oct. 29. The date is in proximity to the duo feasts of All Saints Day and All Souls Day in the Catholic tradition, and to El Día de Los Muertos in the Mexican tradition. Thus the appropriateness of remembering and celebrating the lives of persons who have not only crossed the natural border between Mexico and the USA, but have also crossed from this life into eternal life.

A spaghetti dinner was served at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Several stayed for the showing of the video Who Is Dayani Cristal and the discussion that followed.

As Juan Diego welcomed The Virgin, let us open our hearts to welcome the migrant, the stranger, the traveler before us. We have been deeply touched by the visit of The Antorcha. May their continued travels be safe and blessed.

The South Texas Human Rights Center extends a thank you to the many volunteers who made this event possible including, Dr. Christine Kovic who volunteered for three days and was involved in the nitty-gritty of the preparations, Letty and her friends and relatives who cooked a delicious meal, and Father Matthew for being a gracious host at the Parish Center.