The Basilica

Fiesta!

After seeing the nearly completed statue the group of pilgrims from New Mexico were treated to a fiesta - Mexican style. Lots of food, some drinks, dancing and of course mariachis.

"Jesus of the Divine Mercy"

One of the monumental works by sculptor Gogy Farias sits behind her home in a work yard. Other versions of this statue made by the artist are on display in Poland, Cuba, Mexico, and in Chicago.

Large clay models

Clay model at the artist's home

The foundry

The artists

The pilgrims

Making Our Lady

Workers at the foundry of Mexican artists Georgina "Gogy" Farias put the finishing touches on the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The procession north to Santa Fe is scheduled to depart Mexico City after a blessing and mass at the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe on Sunday.

Our Lady of Guadalupe: A first look

The doors to the foundry of reknown Mexican sculptor Georgina "Gogy" Farias opened. People looked stunned as they walked in the hot room in a working class neighborhood near Mexico City. Eyes welled with tears. And before about 40 devoted Catholics stood a 12 foot-tall statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

People hugged, cried and the group began singing as the workers continued working on the statue destined for Santa Fe, the City of Holy Faith.

Trip to the foundry

Parishioners from Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in Santa Fe, New Mexico sing and pray as they make their way through the busy streets of Mexico City toward the foundry to see their 12 foot-tall, 4,000 pound statue that will be a prominent fixture in front of the Santuario de Guadalupe, the oldest church in the United States devoted to La Virgen de Guadalupe.