Las Antorchas Guadalupanas (Guadalupe Torch) is a relay race in which the united popular traditions and faith of Mexican heritage are in focus to express the message that they are “Messengers for the Dignity of a People Divided by the Border.” The torch is a symbol of purification as people are illuminated by the symbol of the Virgin, as love of the migrant and the realization that the message of Christ’s redemption is for all who honor her. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Americas. She appeared in 1531 in Mexico, on the site of the Basilica in her honor, to a the peasant, St. Juan Diego. The miracles shown through him helped unite the people and continue to convert millions to Catholicism.
Now in its 15th year and arranged by the Asociación Tepeyac de New York, this year’s race began on September 18th, at the Insigne y Nacional Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe (the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe), in Mexico City and will end in New York City on Monday, December 12, 2016.
Our Siler City, NC pastoral ministry of St. Julia Catholic Church hosted the runners and event organizers this year. The torch arrived at 6:00 p.m. on November 23, 2016, and the parish celebrated with a 7:00 p.m. recitation of the Rosary and then gathering for Holy Mass, as a community. The faithful held vigil all night that included singing, dancing and sharing a community meal. At 11:00 a.m. the following morning (November 24th), the runners left from St. Julia to move onto the next stop, in Greensboro NC.
Friar Jacek Leszczynski, OFM Conv., pastor of Iglesia Catolica de St. Julia (St. Julia Catholic Church) holds the torch as the runners reach the parish grounds.
Throughout the night the faithful filled St. Julia’s with song, dance and joy in preparation for the morning departure of the runners.
The visitors also brought along two large portraits put on display in the sanctuary space, of Our Lady of Guadalupe and of St. Juan Diego
In celebration of the December 12th Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the parish will start at noon on December 11, 2016, as the faithful celebrate throughout the night with Holy Mass, followed by dancing, music and and praise to Our Lady of Guadalupe, a 9:00 p.m. Rosary, 10:30 p.m. Mass, Midnight Mariachi, 4:30 a.m. Mañanitas (morning songs of awakening), 5:00 a.m. Holy Mass, a 6:00 p.m. Rosary and finish with 8-10:00 a.m. Mariachi.
Our Lady of Guadalupe ~ Pray for Us!
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Remember, O most gracious Virgin of Guadalupe,
that in your apparitions on Mount Tepeyac
you promised to show pity and compassion to all who,
loving and trusting you, seek your help and protection.
Accordingly, listen now to our supplications
and grant us consolation and relief.
We are full of hope that, relying on your help,
nothing can trouble or affect us.
As you have remained with us through your admirable image,
so now obtain for us the graces we need.
Amen.
