NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico, JULY 12, 2010 (Zenit.org).- A special pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe this week is highlighting the needs of Mexican immigrants in the United States, as well as the role of Our Lady of Guadalupe as their patroness.
Participants departed today on bicycles from the Monument to the Migrant in the Mexican city of Nuevo Laredo, and are expected to cover the 745 miles between the border and the Mexico City shrine by Sunday.
Upon reaching Queretaro, the group will join the annual pilgrimage of the diocese there, the oldest of Mexico, which is about to celebrate the 120th anniversary of going on foot to the most visited Shrine in the Christian world.
According to organizer Father Juan Garcia Gudino, the objective of the event is to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe as the patron of immigrants, as well as to rebuild an old chapel located in Doctor Mora, Guanajuato, and dedicate it to the Virgin of Guadalupe.
The priest revealed that the first stage of the pilgrimage took place Sunday with a Mass at the Parish of Doctor Mora. After the liturgical celebration, the pilgrim cyclists traveled by car to the northern border.
The pilgrimage will make stops in Aguas Calientes, Matehuala, San Luis Potosi and Queretaro. In Queretaro, they will join the pilgrimage from that diocese and arrive at the Basilica of Guadalupe together with more than 50,000 pilgrims.
