Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico (Agenzia Fides) - At 6am on Sunday 7 October, feast of Our Lady Queen of the Rosary, the Torch of Guadalupe 2007 will set out for New York where it will arrive on 12 December the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron saint of all America. The presence of 25 million Mexican and their descendants in the United States makes 12 December an increasingly important date also in North America.
The traditional religious March of the Torch of Guadalupe is dear to all Mexicans, especially young people and thousands of runners take part in the event with courage and great effort from Mexico to New York: a pilgrimage a march to promote respect for the dignity of peoples who feel marginalised.
The race has a religious message because it represents the love Latin American emigrants have for Our Lady: like a torch the Blessed Virgin Mary continues to illuminate and assist emigrants in their difficult daily condition. The faith helped them to cross borders and face the difficulties experienced by emigrants. "The march is to thank Our Lady for her loving protection and assistance on our path as emigrants and immigrants - the participants explain -. We renew our devotion the her Our Queen and Mother and become messengers of hope and love to strengthen our Churches with the help of immigrants of all nationalities". Each runner is a messenger to unite families separated by borders.
The Torch of Guadalupe initiative is supported by various NGOs, immigrant groups, local state and federal police departments, as well as many church, parish and diocesan institutions. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 5/10/2007; righe 23, parole 335)
