A walk in the light of faith

Fervor, devotion, and a sense of unity reigned among the crowd that assisted in welcoming the group of pilgrims who traversed cities and towns, giving testimony of Faith and Hope to those who crossed their path, mainly immigrants.

The afternoon of October 22, 2023, will be unforgettable for those who attended the Parish of San José in Corpus Christi. His Parish Priest and Father Rogel (Fr. Ogie) Rosalinas, SOLT, and other members of the Parish and prayer groups did their best to celebrate the arrival of the Virgin of Guadalupe and San Juan Diego, images that accompanied the movement known as “La Carrera de la Antorcha Guadalupana.” The pilgrimage started from the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City on September 2 and will end on December 12 in New York with a great celebration.

The pilgrims, both those who come from Mexico and those who join the walk, call themselves messengers for the dignity of a people divided by the border.
“The fire of the torch symbolizes a journey through life in the light of faith, with the hope and warmth of our Heavenly Mother,” says Eddie Cruz, coordinator of the Guadalupian Torch in the Corpus Christi area. The motto this year is “For the Peace of the World.” As Lucia Méndez said: “Employing personal peace, inner peace and with our families, because how can there be peace in the world if we don't have peace at all?”
The arrival at the Parish of San José was colorful when the dancers (Matachines) began to worship the Virgin and the memory of San Juan Diego, the way the ancestors and natives of Mexico did it, with their rites and dances raising prayers to the Mother of God.

With the torch in front, drums and Guadalupian chants, the Mass began, preceded by Father Ogie. The faithful walked through the central aisle and deposited red roses at the feet of the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe with great devotion.

At the end of the Mass, they continued with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.