Our Lady of Guadalupe: A journey

Guadalupe Journey: The Images

2009-02-18T14:10:00.003-07:00

Above is a slideshow of some of the images from the Guadalupe Journey during the summer of 2008. Make sure to click the full screen option (above captions option) to see large photos.

Video of unveiling

2008-08-31T22:35:00.001-06:00

LA FIESTA!

2008-08-27T12:07:00.011-06:00

The dedication of the Statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe in front of the Santuario de Guadalupe in Santa Fe sparked three days of celebration, dancing, praying and the unscripted passion that makes Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico such a magical place.

Rays of light

2008-08-17T00:10:00.000-06:00

Immediately after the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe was unveiled, dramatic rays of sunshine pierced through the clouds that earlier had rained upon the faithful attending the ceremony.

It was a dramatic end to an incredible journey.

THE DEDICATION: IN PICTURES

2008-08-16T02:00:00.005-06:00

The crowded parking lot of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Santa Fe during the dedication Mass.

Mass for the dedication

Aztec dancers

Santa Fe Fiesta royalty

People watch the Mass.

Knights of Columbus

People sit atop the hill to get a vantage point of the Mass.

The crowd

The Mass

People listen to the dedication Mass.

The crowd included dignitaries, and members of the Fiesta royalty.

The image of Our Lady was worn by many in attendance.

The Santuario, in the background, during Mass.

Music

The commemorative poster

Archbishop Michael Sheehan blesses the sacraments during the Mass.

Umbrellas come out during a brief thunderstorm.

Red shoes on the commemorative bricks.

An Aztec dancer

An Aztec dancer blows his horn.

The traveling version of La Conquistadora

The artist "Gogy" Farías walks to the altar to be honored.

Maquettes are presented

Rain comes down

The sun comes out

The Aztec dancers lead the procession.

Girls throw rose petals for the procession.

The crowd heads to the top of the hill for the blessing.

The tarp is readied for removal.

The officials gather around the statue.

People ready for the unveiling.

The statue is unveiled.

The huge crowd gazes upon their new statue.

Rose petals are tossed in the air.

Incense to the statue

More rose petals

And more rose petals

The Archbishop and Monsignor Jerome Martinez y Alire bless the crowd.

A woman prays.

People place their hands upon the statue.

More hands upon the statue.

Matachine folk dancers perform in front of the statue.

A girl gets a view of the excitement from a stopped car traveling on Guadalupe Street.

A devout woman touches the statue.

Matachines perform

The sun sets and the party continues.

Drummers perform with the dancers.

The dancers perform

The statue us surrounded by rose petals.

A woman prays the rosary.

A family gets warm under a blanket.

Mariachis prepare to preform.

A dramatic New Mexico sky

People admire the statue.

Dusk at the unveiling party.

Musicians play the fiddle and guitars.

A matachine dancer

Dancing to the mariachis

The full moon rises behind the statue.

Alburquerque Journal article on the dedication

2008-08-16T00:52:00.000-06:00

The following was published in the Alburquerque Journal on August 16, 2008:

Parish Completes a Character Transformation

By Polly Summar
Journal Staff Writer
There was a moment just after the unveiling of the bronze Our Lady of Guadalupe statue Friday evening when Santa Fe's old and new were facing each other.
La Peregrina, the three-foot-high traveling replica of La Conquistadora, was just off to the side looking toward the new 14-foot statue that arrived earlier last month from Mexico to be placed outside Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. La Conquistadora was made in Spain and brought to New Mexico on the Camino Real in about December 1625.
“It is the old and the new,” Cliff Russell, a parish member and a lector, said during the outdoor Mass with more than 500 people attending to dedicate the statue. “This really started seven years ago, when we fought to get the santuario back.”
Russell was referring to a move that ensured the parish could make sure the activities that occurred in the adjacent Santuario de Guadalupe were more appropriate and respectful to the church.
And with the coming of a new priest to the church in 2003, the Rev. Tien-Tri Nguyen, a mission to become more embracing of the community was set in place, too. Within his first three years, Nguyen's Spanish and English Masses changed the makeup of the church to include some 60 to 70 percent Mexican parishioners. More than 2,000 people now attend the weekend masses.
Friday evening's celebration — with hundreds of people attending and enough food to feed a thousand — was designed to make sure the community knew that the Our Lady of Guadalupe statue was in place to welcome all people. The entire procession into the Mass included not only a host of Catholic priests, but a group of Knights of Columbus, the entire Fiesta Council royalty and a group of Aztec dancers.
Not even a steady rain that grew heavy at times could drive the crowds away, with people packed into the lower parking lot where the Mass was held and lining the upper balcony several rows deep.
Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan addressed the crowd, talking about a mother's love and asking the question, “Who is the mother's favorite child?” only to answer by saying it is whoever is in the most need.
Comparing the ordinary mother to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sheehan said, “If it is true of all mothers, it is more so true of Our Lady.”
And then he asked, “Who are her favorite children today?” He answered, “First of all, they are her immigrant children ... She knows today what it is like to come to the U.S. without a passport,” raising a collective chuckle from the audience. The $70,000, 4,000-pound statue went missing for a day and a night last month, and then was discovered in an El Paso warehouse.
Sheehan went on to say, “She has seen the fear they live in,” referring to immigrants, and added, “She wants us to welcome one another into our churches.”
“Secondly,” Sheehan said, Our Lady of Guadalupe's favorite children are “all the Catholics in our country,” and third, “all of us who live in this beautiful country. As children of God, we are also her children.”
Sheehan thanked Nguyen (called “Father Tri”) for helping bring the statue to Santa Fe, as a round of celebratory “Que Vivas” went through the crowd.
When communion started, the skies darkened, and the rain came, but it didn't stop the masses from coming forward. As Nguyen presented a small replica of the new statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Sheehan, the sun broke through the clouds even as the rain continued.
Mayor David Coss then addressed the group and said to Sheehan, “Thank you for your message about immigrants. We are trying to follow that here in Santa Fe.”
As much of the crowd moved to the upper level for the unveiling of the statue, tables in the parking lot were filled with roasted corn on the cob and red chile, barbecued beef sandwiches with salsa and onions.
Even with so many people trying to get fed, the lines moved smoothly.
“We know how to feed people,” Deacon Anthony Trujillo said with a grin.

New Mexican editorial

2008-08-14T11:43:00.000-06:00

On Friday the Santa Fe New Mexican published the following on their editorial page:

Sometimes we see the proverbial light, exposing — in the thicket of our bogged-down, workaday lives — a glimpse of the authentic, unscripted, quintessential Santa Fe. And it looks so good!

Such was the case a couple of weeks ago, when a bubbled-wrapped, bronze statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe arrived (in this usually too-full-of-itself, politically correct town) stretched out on a flatbed trailer, pulled by a working pickup truck, to the joyful outpouring of public gratitude, camaraderie and joy.

The story of the statue's journey along the Camino Real from Mexico City to its destination on a knoll overlooking what now passes for the Santa Fe River is the stuff upon which cultural legends are spun, when they are spun well: rooted in tradition, blooming in the often unyielding soil of contemporary reality, producing good seed for the future.

A Roman Catholic parish with a history that stretches way back in Santa Fe, Our Lady of Guadalupe has had its share of ups and downs, political struggles and discontent (it's a living, breathing body, after all), yet has aged gracefully from a church serving a homogenous Hispanic barrio, to a thriving church that today serves a diverse community, including a large immigrant population and shepherded by a Vietnamese priest.

These parishioners managed to raise enough money to commission Mexican artist Georgina Farias to cast the bronze image of the dark-skinned Patroness of the Americas, and they eagerly awaited its arrival.

Hastened and greeted by local faithful as it passed through towns along the famous camino, the delivery truck bearing "Our Lady" finally stalled at the border, where the statue was searched for contraband and unceremoniously placed in warehouse without notice. The "rescue" adventure that ensued resonated among Santa Feans, who, regardless of ethnic background, religious affiliation or length of residence, recognized it as an evolving piece of what would become shared Santa Fe history.

And speaking of that history ...

Sometime in the late 1780s, renowned Spanish Colonial artist José de Alzibar completed a reredos (altarpiece), a stunning portrait, painted in sections, of Our Lady Of Guadalupe commissioned by a Santa Fe family for one of the many shrines along the Camino Real providing respite to the wayfarers, tradesmen, itinerant priests and migrant laborers who once plied this important route.

The artist then rolled and draped the sections of the painting across the backs of burros for the trek to the painting's new home above the altar at our own Santuario de Guadalupe. In those days, it was common for villagers to venture forth en masse to welcome — with song — important visitors (and artifacts) on their approach into town. It is likely that such festivity anticipated the painting's arrival.

The details of that 1,500-mile journey are now lost to history, but the similarities between the stories of that original tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe and the one that will be officially unveiled this evening at 5 (accompanied by music, dancing and food because that's the way we have always celebrated here) are stunning.

If, for example, the committee charged with planning and executing the 400th anniversary of Santa Fe decided to reenact the 18th-century event for our cuartocentenario, it would look, sound and feel much like the arrival of the bronze Madonna two weeks ago — sans the red pickup truck and other such 21st century versions of burros, buckskin camisetas and rebozos.

This is the kind of event to which we'd proudly escort the king of Spain, or our grandmother from California.

And there are many authentic events in the offing that demonstrate the real spirit of community. The imminent dedication of the Railyard Park and the Santa Fe Farmers Market are just two that promise to bring long-standing New Mexico traditions, gracefully, into the 21st century.

Unfortunately, our city doesn't yet have a completed official anniversary Web site or even an official calendar of events to showcase the kinds of things that would entice potential visitors and locals alike to share in the 400th birthday. Talk about lost opportunity.

Que lástima.

The book!

2008-08-04T21:16:00.006-06:00

After many weeks of work the book of the journey is finally done!

You can order this preview copy by CLICKING HERE, or wait until after the dedication on August 15th to order the finalized copy that includes a photo of the complete and unveiled statue.

Sunday story on the Journey

2008-07-27T01:06:00.003-06:00

Today the Sunday edition of the New Mexican shared the story of the City of Holy Faith's new statue of Nuestra Señora de Gudalupe and the pilgrims that accompanied her.

Click here to read the story.

Thanks to reporter Anne Constable and photo editor Clyde Mueller for distilling all that happened on the trip into a nice storytelling package that takes the historic journey far beyond the audience that views this website.

Standing Tall

2008-07-24T10:09:00.005-06:00

The statue of Our Lady is going up this morning in front of the Santuario. She is standing tall, held up by a crane for now. There was a small hitch with the bolts that affix the bronze statue to its base (the epoxy dried quicker than expected and needs to be drilled out). But within the next few hours the City of Holy Faith will have a new landmark.
Cell phone photo from the site by Deacon Anthony Truijllo

WELCOME HOME

2008-07-23T20:04:00.008-06:00

Ringing church bells, singing mariachis and shouts of "Que Viva Guadalupe," "Que viva La Virgen," "Que viva Christo Rey," and "Que viva Father Tri" greeted a new Santa Fe landmark today in the historic capital of New Mexico.

Hundreds of cheering faithful welcomed the 12 foot-tall, 4,000 pound bronze statue of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe to the end of a long, emotional and complicated journey that took the iconic image across farmland, deserts, mountain passes and along a historic trail that once linked New Mexico to the old world where its colonists came from.

"We are so blessed," said Father Tien-Tri Nguyen of the arrival of the statue.

The statue had been held up at the border and ended up in a warehouse in El Paso, Texas. At one point it was unknown what happened to the 4,000 pound, 12 foot tall image of the Patron Saint of the Americas.

The arrival ended an emotion-filled journey from Mexico City to Santa Fe by about 30 members of the local Catholic community. The group from Santa Fe was exposed to the incredible devotion to the image of La Virgen in Old Mexico when thousands turned out to see the statue as it traveled across that country. The statue and journey also attracted national attention in Mexico, appearing on news programs and in leading newspapers. At one point the Bishop of Durango said the group of travelers went from being pilgrims on a journey to being evangelists.

SHE'S HERE!!!

2008-07-23T17:48:00.012-06:00

The statue arrived moments ago at the St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe to ringing bells and a Native American blessing from Lee Moquino of Santa Clara Pueblo. The statue traveled down Agua Fria Street to St Francis Drive and then along Alameda to the Cathedral.

Motorcycles officers led a procession that was made up of 13 City Police, State Police and Sheriff's Department vehicles - all with lights and sirens blaring and flashing. About 30 other cars followed the statue with horns blaring.

Parishioners at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish were surprised when they were getting an update on the location of the statue and the procession passed the church. The commotion of the blaring sirens and the excitement of the passing statue drew several people from the church who took to the sidewalks running and quickly walking after the statue down Alameda toward the Cathedral. Others were waiting for the statue's arrival at the Guadalupe Parish where it is to be greeted by mariachis.

SANTA FE BOUND!

2008-07-23T11:24:00.005-06:00

The five person team that went to El Paso has the statue of Nuesta Señora de Guadalupe and is headed to Santa Fe.

"We just passed Las Cruces," said Deacon Anthony Trujillo.

The 4,000 pound plus package was placed on a flatbed with a pair of forklifts at the warehouse in El Paso.

The statue will stop in Rio Rancho at St. Thomas Aquinas and at La Bajada rest stop where it will be met by church members. It will then continue to the Cathedral in downtown Santa Fe for a blessing.

And if all goes as planned a Mass is scheduled at Our Lady of Guadalupe parish on Agua Fria this evening - about 6:00 - when the statue is expected to arrive.

Here is a story about the statue in the Santa Fe New Mexican

And here is one in the Journal North (account required)

FOUND!

2008-07-22T14:37:00.003-06:00

After many prayers and the possibility of involving law enforcement to find the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a breakthrough happened this morning. The statue was located in a warehouse in El Paso. Somebody apparently called FedEx to cancel the pickup of the statue for delivery to Santa Fe, said people at the warehouse. No one knows who called but the Guadalupe pilgrims are not concerned about that because now they need to figure out how to get the statue to Santa Fe.

Five men from the church, including Father Tri, have been dispatched to El Paso to bring La Virgen up north. The men are leaving with a large truck and a trailer and plans to do whatever is necessary to bring their statue to Santa Fe.

MISSING: TWELVE FOOT-TALL, 4,000 POUND STATUE

2008-07-21T18:23:00.012-06:00

It is said that the porous border to our south is easy to cross for immigrants, smugglers and drug traffickers. But apparently that same border is not easy to cross for a 12 foot-tall, 4,000 pound statue of Nuesta Señora de Guadalupe and the man accompanying her.

After being sent to warehouse number 1 on Pandel Street in El Paso - a broker's warehouse - the statue was apparently released to U.S. shipping company FedEx. But FedEx cannot find Nuestra Señora. The shipping giant says that the tracking number provided by the Mexican shipping and logistics company is nonexistent. And FedEx said that until a driver turns in paperwork at a local office that tracking number cannot be used. The problem is that no one has filed paperwork and nobody within FedEx has any idea where the giant statue is. And the man charged with taking her to Santa Fe, Bernardo Peña Silva of Mexico, who took great care of the statue in his country, was not allowed to cross the border to accompany La Virgen.

"I just spent an hour in the blessed sacrament chapel praying. It will all turn out OK. We just don't know when," said Deacon Anthony Trujillo after explaining the complex situation.

If you care to try for yourself here is the tracking number provided to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Santa Fe: 115551665-5

And here is where you can track it: http://fedex.com/Tracking?cntry_code=us

Memorable moments from the journey

2008-07-21T18:19:00.004-06:00

The actual image of Nuesta Señora de Guadalupe high above the altar in the Basilica

Santa Fe pilgrim Gail Delgado sees the statue for the first time.

Workers clean the statue with water.

Artisan Agustin Zuñiga applies patina to the bronze.

Artisan Daniel Zeferino, left, helps remove scaffolding from around the statue.

From left, Alicia Pino, Theresa Ortiz and Erlinda Casados see the statue for the first time.

A worker grinds the statue to reveal the shiny bronze under the patina.

Stars and rays

Agustin Zuñiga performs detail work on the statue.

Artisan Manuel Martinez polishes the statue.

Artisan Daniel Zeferino cleans the statue after finish work was completed.

Chains and straps are readied to move the 4,000 pound statue.

The statue is lowered by workers from Transportes Mora.

The statue is lowered parallel with the ground.

Ricardo Herrera Morales pulls a line to lower the statue into her crate.

Rev. Tien-Tri Nguyen, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in Santa Fe, watches as the last cover of foam is placed over the statue's face.

The statue is removed from the foundry and loaded onto the truck.

People watch the loading operation.

Young military cadets parade around the Zócalo.

Military cadets perform pushups.

Mexican soldiers raise the flag in the Zócalo, Mexico's main square.

Rose petals lead the way to the Basilica of Guadalupe.

The plaza in front of the Basilica at first light.

Flowers to be placed in the Basilica.

A woman makes her way to the Basilica on her knees, a form of devotion to Our Lady.

The enterance to the Basilica

A boy chases pigeons in the square in front of the Basilica.

A man makes the sign of the cross after seeing the statue of La Virgen unveiled at the Basilica.

Pilgrims Gilbert and Alicia Pino hold flowers as the statue is unveiled at the Basilica.

The group from Santa Fe lines up, ready to enter the Basilica.

From left, clockwise, Mannie Montoya, Gary Delgado, Gail Delgado, Albino Zuniga and Diane Alvarado, all of Santa Fe, watch as the statue is unveiled at the Basilica.

The group from Santa Fe is welcomed to the Basilica.

The Mass

Monsignor Diego Monroy Ponce during Mass

The Basilica is full with nearly 5,000 worshipers.

The crowd in the Basilica

Monsignor Diego Monroy Ponce blesses the statue in front of the Basilica.

Mexican news media record the event. The journey of the statue captured the attention of the entire country of Mexico.

A woman reaches to touch the statue.

A man holds his own version on the image during the blessing.

The group sets off toward Zacatecas.

Beatrice Domínguez, left, and Father Tri throw up their arms during a song while in the bus.

The statue at first light in front of the Cathedral of Zacatecas

Bishop Fernando Mario Chavez Ruvalcaba welcomes the peregrinos from Santa Fe to the Cathedral of Zacatecas.

Diego Hernandez hoists his friend Miguel Soto so he can capture a photo of the face of Nuestra Señora.

The Cathedral of Zacatecas.

Heriberto Diaz Flores, the keeper of the belltower at the Cathedral in Zacatecas, looks at the crowd and the statue over 100 feet below on the street in front of the Cathedral.

Santa Fean and Mexico native Fabian Garcia prays during the Mass in Zacatecas.

Pilgrim Gilbert Pino kisses the statue.

The town of Zacatecas is constructed in an old world style with narrow streets and alley, elaborate stonework and a colorful palette.

The courtyard of the shrine dedicated to Santo Niño de Atocha in Plateros is covered with articles related to miracles attributed to Santo Niño.

The statue of Santo Niño in Plateros

A man kisses the statue after she is unveiled in Durango.

Hueva Hernandez, left, holds a tin can while begging next to the statue. Many of the thousands that came to see the statue in Durango dropped coins in his can. He was befriended by Santa Fe pilgrim Mannie Montoya whom Hernandez the beggar gave a silver ring.

Fun photos

2008-07-21T18:16:00.007-06:00

Here are some of the fun photos from the Guadalupe Journey. Enjoy!

Arrival in New Mexico!

2008-07-19T14:29:00.003-06:00

Update: 6:16 p.m.
It is unknown when the statue will come to Santa Fe. The latest is that it will arrive on Monday due to paperwork issues.

Update: 2:29 p.m.
The statue has been held up at the border for longer than expected. X-rays of the statue by border agents and paperwork issues have delayed its entry into the U.S. It is expected to arrive in El Paso at 3 p.m. From there it will drive straight to Santa Fe where it will arrive tonight.

The statue of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, bound for the Santuario in Santa Fe, will cross the border this morning and meet bus loads of church members at Queen of Heaven Church in Albuquerque at 3 p.m. The 12 foot-tall, 4,000 pound statue is currently delayed at la frontera and if all goes as planned will arrive in Albuquerque this afternoon.

This website will continue to be updated with new information and a video of the "Guadalupe Journey" should be posted here within the next week.

This was a historic trip. It was an eye opening cultural experienced that helped to bridge the culture of Old Mexico and the people of New Mexico. The pilgrims from New Mexico saw many familiar traditions celebrated in Mexico. The people of Mexico saw that people in the United States also have a strong devotion to La Virgen. There were many encounters that helped people learn that Mexicans and New Mexican are not so different after all. They were once the same people.

This was a project and a dream realized by the parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Santa Fe. This statue of La Virgen and the spiritual and physical journey were born of controversial use of one of the most revered and important images in Hispanic culture. But that is not why the faithful pursued this project. Their pursuit was one of dedication, faith and discovery. And they were hugely successful.

I want to thank the pilgrims from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Santa Fe and the others that joined them for allowing me to document their journey. The group opened up and allowed this photojournalist to document some rather spiritual and emotional moments.

Thank you Father Tri for spearheading this. Thank you Monsignor Jerome for the history lessons. Thank you to the Deacons, bus drivers, statue transporters and tour guides.

And most importantly thank you for keeping Faith, Tradition, History and Culture alive in a world that seems to forget where it comes from.

Mass in Chihuahua: A reason for being here

2008-07-17T22:55:00.005-06:00

Thursday's Mass in Chihuahua was probably one of the most emotional for some of the Guadalupe pilgrims. Initially the Mass was supposed to be celebrated at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Chihuahua by the Bishop. But at the last minute things changed. He could not celebrate the Mass. Then the Mass was moved to Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, a Parish in a poor Barrio in one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico. Some of the Santa Fe pilgrims were a bit disappointed that the statue would not be on display in the main plaza of the city. But just as the Santa Fe pilgrims kept reminding themselves during the journey, Nuestra Señora helps things to be like they are for a reason.

When the bus loaded with pilgrims from Santa Fe and their luggage pulled up to the church one of the pilgrims turned white. Veronica Nava of Santa Fe looked like she saw a ghost. What she saw, however, was someone from her past. Someone she was close to. She ran out of the bus and gave a hug to the priest that was welcoming the group to his neighborhood parish. He immediately recognized her and called her by the childhood name he had given her many years ago: "Ojitos de uva."

Father Rosalio Acosta, the priest at the parish the statue and pilgrims were visiting, baptized Veronica. He knew her as a child. He used to come visit her father Manuel Nava and her mother Maria de la Paz Avila in the small village where she grew up about 4 hours away from Chihuahua in Mexico. She had only seen Father Acosta once since he was moved from her childhood parish many years ago. Even though the grand Mass at the Cathedral did not happen there was a reason the Guadalupe Pilgrims were diverted to the small Barrio parish.
Veronica Nava, top left, a native of Mexico, stands atop the trailer with her childhood pastor and family friend Father Rosalio Acosta as others view the statue. (Photo by Deacon Anthony Trujillo)

Scenes from Chihuahua

2008-07-16T23:59:00.003-06:00

Folk dancers perform in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Pigeons in the town square

Dancers twirl and stomp.

Dramatic dusk light over the Metropolitan Cathedral

Faith

2008-07-16T23:30:00.014-06:00

The group of Santa Fe pilgrims heard the news on the way to Chihuahua. Six people were shot dead. Victims of the narcotraficantes and their war over the drug trade. Father Tri told the pilgrims to use their common sense and to stay safe. Chihuahua is a pleasant city but the drug war has gripped this town just as it has gripped towns and cities across Mexico. And the war reared its evil and ugly face here yesterday.

Newspaper headlines in Mexico regularly have words like NARCO, DROGAS, MATARON and CARTEL splashed across their pages. The photos are graphic. The pain is real. The government is helpless.

A common theme the pilgrims have heard on their trip is that what the people have turned to during their desperate time is prayer. And in Mexico when people pray they direct that spiritual energy to La Virgen.

During the visit yesterday a woman came up to Deacon Anthony Trujillo. She asked for a blessing. She thanked him and the Santa Fe pilgrims for bringing the statue and the spirit of La Virgen to her town. She said she hopes that by the grand image of Our Lady visiting her town that the drug killings and the violence would stop. They did not want the statue of Nuestra Señora to leave.
Santa Fe pilgrim Gail Delgado in front of the Cathedral of Chihuahua

Mexican Army soliders, one of the main forces fighting the Narcos. The other is prayer from the Mexican population.

Parral to Chihuahua

2008-07-16T23:14:00.005-06:00

Ricardo Herrera Morales rides on the flatbed trailer carrying the statue from Parral to Chihuahua.

The truck, led by a police escort, leaves Parral. The officer that offered the escort used to live in the U.S. as a Bracero many years ago. When he learned what was happeining with the statue and the pilgrims he hopped into his car to lead the group through the streets of his town.

The truck carrying the statue slowly climbs a hill in Parral.

The turnoff to Chihuahau.

The gathering

2008-07-16T22:41:00.004-06:00

The church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Parral was intimate. The crowd was not as large as the previous day but slowly as townspeople figured out what was happening they trickled into the church. But this journey is not about the numbers of faithful that turn out to see the statue of La Virgen. The journey has largely been about the pilgrims from New Mexico discovering how powerful the devotion to La Virgen actually is in Mexico. And this journey has also been about people in Mexico discovering that their most important devotion also exists across la frontera, on the other side.
People gather around the statue after the Mass.

The commotion catches the attention of passing motorists.

The blessing of the statue

Samara Lopez Gonzalez, 8, kisses the statue as her brother José Miguel Silva Lopez, 12, stands atop the truck with his sister.

Jesús Diaz, 6, and his sister Jaime Diaz, 3, watch the blessing.

Mauro and his sister Magdalena Baeza are helped down from the ramp by Ricardo Herrera, top left, and Bernardo Peña Silva, right.

The Mass

2008-07-16T22:12:00.008-06:00

The procession into the church

From left, Albino Zuniga, Gail Delgado and Gary Delgado during the Mass

Mass is celebrated in the church.

The church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Parral

Santa Feans from left, Frank Gallegos, Toni Gallegos, Maxine Chavez, Lourdes Romero and Mannie Montoya during the service.

Samara Lopez Gonzalez, 8, during the blessing of the statue.

The procession out of the church after Mass

The Monsignor, Priests and Deacons exit the church after the service.

The procession of Santa Fe pilgrims is led by Frank and Toni Gallegos and followed by Luz and Fabian Garcia.

Missionarios de la Misericordia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

2008-07-16T21:55:00.002-06:00

While walking past the church after their morning service the Missionarios de la Misericordia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús stopped to view the statue of La Virgen. The girls, mostly in their late teens, were giggling and smiling at all the attention they received when they walked up to the statue. Initially they walked past the statue but as pilgrim Gilbert Pino put it: "They were drawn to the statue like a magnet."

Parral: A historic assembly of colonists

2008-07-16T21:20:00.007-06:00

Parral, a small town along the Camino Real, hosted a large assembly in 1598 that was the beginning of the colonization of New Mexico by the Spaniards. Juan de Oñate and his colonists assembled for their long march up to El Paso del Norte and along the Rio Grande valley to Northern New Mexico.

The assembly was like a military review. The Spanish Viceroy looked over Oñate and his colonists to make sure they had enough equipment, horses, cows and military protection for their journey north. The Viceroy wanted to be certian that all that was promised for the colonists was present and that the colonization of New Mexico would be successful.

A fountain in the town square

The local church dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Plaza

The statue of La Virgen in the town square, seen with a local statue in the background

A street scene in modern Parral.

A truck passes the statue of Our Lady in front of the church dedicated to La Virgen.

Missionarios de la Misericordia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, who were walking down the street, notice the 12 foot-tall bronze statue in front of the local church.

Durango to Parral

2008-07-15T23:59:00.001-06:00

The moon rises over the desert between Zacatecas and Parral.

The bus drives along a Mexican highway destined for Parral.

A giant sculpture greets visitors into Parral, Mexico.

She becomes an attraction

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By the time Mass ended at the Cathedral of Durango word had spread around town about the statue. One smart local entrepreneur took pictures of the statue earlier and had them developed during Mass. When the Mass was over and people flooded the area where the statue was waiting the man was selling the postcard sized photos for 10 pesos. He sold out within minutes.

The beggar and Mannie

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In front of the Cathedral there was a beggar. He held out a tin can and sat in a spot where he was unavoidable. But Mannie Montoya of Santa Fe did not avoid the weathered man. He talked to him as the enormous crowd filed past to see the statue. Mannie befriended the man, Hueva Hernandez. Many people dropped coins into the Mr. Hernandez's tin can. But Mannie had a unique experience with the beggar. The Beggar gave Mannie something. After they talked for about an hour the man took off what looked like a silver class ring and gave it to Mannie. This is for you, he said.
The beggar and the line to see the statue

The beggar and his tin can

The beggar and Mannie

From Pilgrims to Evangelists

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After witnessing the huge crowd that gathered on a sunny and hot Tuesday at noon, Bishop Héctor González Martínez said to the Monsignor, Priest and Deacons accompanying the group, "You came here as pilgrims but what you have become is evangelists."

Immediately after the visit to Durango and its cathedral some of the Santa Fe pilgrims were somewhat overwhelmed with the devotion they saw. "We thought we were going to pick up a statue and ask for blessings but this has grown. It now has a life of its own," said Deacon Anthony Trujillo after witnessing the huge crowds that came out to see the statue in Durango.

White doves fly from the Cathedral tower.

The line of faithful stretches down the block.

People leave money, cards, flowers and rosaries on the statue.

Maria de la Rosa Perez, whose 5 year-old child has lukemia, is hugged by her mother Maria Luisa Perez after touching the statue of La Virgen. Maria, who was on her way to the store to get medicine for her sick child saw the statue and called her mother. Her mom quickly came and they both visited the statue. Maria broke down crying after touching the statue. She said her devotion to La Virgen is making her child better.

A man kisses the statue.

People touch the statue.

Women watch as the statue is wrapped up.

Fatima Roasario Puente Rodriguez, who is almost completely blind, was determined to see the face of the statue of Nuestra Señora. Fatima climbed atop the truck after the statue was wrapped with bubble wrap. The workers from Transportes Mora removed the plastic from the face and Fatima used a cell phone to take a photo of the exposed face. She then held the image on the screen of the phone close to her one working eye where she saw a faint image of the face of Mary. Many in the crowd cried when the young girl did this.

Thousands of faithful

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The pilgrims from Santa Fe knew this visit was going to be different as soon as they arrived in the Plaza. Some in the group were approached by locals and were asked if they were traveling with the statue of La Virgen. Apparently the word of the journey is spreading across the country of Mexico. One of the signs that this visit was different was literally a sign. On the window of a bus driving through town were the words "Santa Fe Virgen," advertised as a destination in the bus' route. The statue definitely became a destination as thousands turned out to see her and attend a noon Mass on a Tuesday.

The travelers from Northern New Mexico took on roles helping control the crowd and helping las viejitas, the children and the men up the ramp to touch, kiss and pray to the Patron Saint of the Americas.
Bishop Héctor González Martínez blesses the statue as people crowd around the truck and statue.

Locals take photos of the statue.

Faithful walk up the ramp of the truck to kiss and touch the statue.

Enrique Martinez Romero from Transportes Mora helps guide vistors up the ramp.

Monsignor Jerome Martinez y Alire is interviewed by TV Azteca, the Mexican version of CNN.

Bishop González Martínez blesses the statue.

The line to touch the statue stretched down the street and around the block at one point.

A bus advertises the "Santa Fe Virgen" as one of the stops on its route.

The crowd in front of the Cathedral.

Mass at Durango

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The Cathedral is packed to capacity for the Tuesday Mass welcoming the statue of La Virgen and her pilgrims.

Bishop Héctor González Martínez blesses the pilgrims from Santa Fe.

Priest and Deacons line up for the mass.

Theresa Ortiz, left, and Erlinda Casados lead the group into the church.

From left, Bishop González Martínez, Father Tri and Monsignor Jerome celebrate the Mass.

Diane Alvarado, Mary Rodriguez and Dolores Romero pilgrims pray during Mass.

Diane Alvarado prays during the service.

Bishop Héctor González Martínez blesses the pilgrims from Santa Fe.

From left, Theresa Ortiz, Erlinda Casados, Albino Zuniga and Anna Rael listen to the Bishop during the service.

Diane Alvarado reads during the service while Mary Rodriguez waits to read.

From left, Dolores Romero, Veronica Nava, Mary Rodriguez and Diane Alvarado pray during the service.

Alicia Pino takes a photo of the formal Mass.

Faithful face

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A woman who just viewed the statue of La Virgen stands in front of the Cathedral of Durango.

The Bishops of Durango: A connection to Santa Fe

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Today the pilgrims from New Mexico visited the historic Cathedral of Durango, Mexico. Many years ago strong influences on the history of New Mexico came from within the beautiful and ornate colonial church. The Bishops of Durango have a strong connection to the complex history of El Norte.

Durango, which just celebrated its 448th anniversary, was the Capital of Nueva Viscaya, one of the states under the Spanish Crown. Since 1620 a Bishop has administering his flock from Durango.

In 1730 Bishop Benito Crespo traveled to El Paso del Norte and up the Rio Grande valley to present day New Mexico. Bishop Crespo and the Franciscans who met his entourage had disagreements. The conflict between Crespo and the Fransicans climaxed when the Fransicans would not allow Crespo into La Parroquia in Santa Fe. He reported the disrespect to the Spanish Crown.

Later, Bishop of Durango Martin Elizacochea, from the Basque region of Spain, admonished the Franciscans and ordered them to learn the Indian languages and send more priests to convert the Natives. Because of the language barrier many Indians would not go to confession. It was improper because with an interpreter present the confessions were not always honest.

In the late 1700s Bishop Tamaron of Durango was properly received by Fransicans. To receive a Bishop was a big thing back then. The men would greet him and his entourage on horseback, firing rifles into the air to announce his arrival. The women would throw their shawls on the ground in front of His Excellency. A feast was held and confirmations were performed.

Bishop Tamaron of Durango was received with the lavish welcome in Pecos, southeast of Santa Fe. But something curious happened there. And from this curious thing was born the Northern New Mexican legend of el maldición de Dios or the curse of the bishop.

Days after Bishop Tamaron was received in Pecos some local men gathered and mocked the Bishop. A man dressed like the Bishop and pretended to be received. He made fun of Tamaron. He mocked him.

Later that afternoon when the man went out to tend to his sheep he encountered a bear. He did not survive. The bear killed the man. After this event the Indians feared the Bishop and believed the death of the man was a curse for mocking the His Excellency. From then on they feared and respected the Bishops.

Bishop of Durango Laureano Zubiria was one of the most influential Bishops on New Mexico history. He visited Northern New Mexico in 1830, 1833 and 1848. Each of these journeys likely took months at a time.

After Mexican independence the Fransiscans lost their support from Spain. They pulled out of New Mexico. Zubiria recruited seminarians educated in Durango to return to New Mexico. He had locals ordained in the Cathedral of Durango and then sent them back to tend to the flock in New Mexico.

In 1850 the Diocese of Durango's administration of New Mexico ended after 250 years.

"We have a great debt owed to the Bishops and people of Durango," said Monsignor Jerome Martinez y Alire during today's visit.

Héctor González Martínez, the present day Bishop of Durango, puts on his Mitre.
The plaza in front of the Cathedral of Durango
A fountain in the plaza
La cupula in the center of the plaza

La Virgen in front of the Cathedral

Onward

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Zacatecas was wonderful and many of the Guadalupe pilgrims did not want to leave.

Next stop: Durango

Patron Saint of Pilgrims

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Santo Niño de Atocha, the patron saint of pilgrims, has a shrine dedicated to him in Plateros, a small town where the Guadalupe pilgrims stopped during their journey today.

The child-like figure is a saint that would appear to pilgrims passing through the old Spanish town of Atocha in Spain. He was a child, wearing a hat, carrying a staff and a jug of water. When he appeared he would give water and strength to pilgrims passing through.

We stopped to see the shrine where Mexicans come to pray to Santo Niño. The small statue of the child sits above the altar. In the hallways and in the courtyard outside the shrine there are countless objects left by visitors. Notes, crutches, pictures, cards, bandages - all items left for miracles attributed to Santo Niño de Atocha.

The Mexican Statue in Plateros.

The walls are covered with objects left as testament to Santo Niño's milagros.

The walls are covered with countless pictures, dresses, flowers, rosaries and much more.

The statue

An X-Ray left by someone from Albuquerque.

The shrine to Santo Niño de Atocha in Plateros, Mexico

Security

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The town of Zacatecas provided security during the visit of the Our Lady of Guadalupe statue because of the crowd drawn to the front steps of the Cathedral. Here they pose for a portrait.

Mass at the Cathedral of Zacatecas

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Mass was celebrated today with the Bishop of Zacatecas in the colonial town's towering cathedral.The Cathedral of Zacatecas

Our Lady of Guadalupe pilgrim Fabian Garcia prays during the Mass.

Priests and deacons from Santa Fe celebrate the Mass with the Bishop of Zacatecas.

The interior of the church.

Deacon Anthony Trujillo reads the Gospel.

The statue of Our Lady receives a blessing from the Bishop.

She draws crowds

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A pattern is developing with the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. When the truck carrying her pulls up and the plastic coverings are removed the street stops. People freeze and look in awe at the towering bronze statue. Those driving past make the Sign of the Cross. A crowd of curious locals slowly forms. People walk up to the statue and someone touches it. Then many more people begin touching it, kissing it and praying next to the statue. Some of the people even climb atop the flatbed to kiss the statue and touch her face. Eventually news crews come out, important townspeople stop to talk to the group and the group is honored by local high-ranking church officials.

The statue brings out locals of all sorts: Fancy men wearing suits, poor women with wrinkled hands, children carrying soccer balls and recently deported young men, excited to talk to Americans that have respect for Mexico and her cultura.

A man touches the crate carrying Our Lady.

A local man, recently deported from the U.S. looks at the statue.

A crowd gathers.

Guadalupe pilgrim Gilbert Pino of Santa Fe kisses the statue.

Local women pray.

A crowd gathers.

A line forms.

A young local girl looks at the statue.

Miguel Soto of Zacatecas is hoisted by his friend Diego Hernandez to get a better view of Our Lady.

People touch the statue.

A truck driver makes the Sign of the Cross while passing.

Welcome to Zacatecas

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The travelers from New Mexico are amazed at how old Mexico has rolled out the welcome mat for the busload of pilgrims. At every stop with the statue the pilgrims are treated like dignitaries. The are blessed, hugged, smiled at and questioned about the enormous representation of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the flatbed truck headed north. Many people here did not know their national symbol of faith is also important in the United States.

The pilgrims walk toward the Cathedral of Zacatecas.

The street in front of the Cathedral is prepared for the morning service.

Pilgrims watch the statue approach the Cathedral on the truck.

The statue in front of the Cathedral

The Bishop of Zacatecas welcomes the peregrinos.

Zacatecas and a history lesson

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The colonial town of Zacatecas has narrow streets, old world architecture and is painted with a palate not usually used back home in the United States. Buildings are yellow, green, blue. They have ornate carved stonework and the churches dominate the landscape of this very European-looking town. It was a wealthy town in the colonial days. Its money gained from the silver mines and the hard work of the Natives.

Some of the pilgrims on the Guadalupe journey said, "they look just like us," referring to the Mexicans that live in modern Zacatecas. Well as Monignor Jerome Martinez y Alire explained they are.

There was a wealthy man in Zacatecas named Cristobal Oñate. He was one of the founders of the Mexican (then Spanish) town of Zacatecas. He had a son. His son's name was Juan de Oñate. And of course if you studied your history in middle school you know that Juan de Oñate was the first governor of New Mexico. And he was cruel to the Natives.

The younger Oñate went to New Mexico for those things that drove early Spanish explorers: God, Gold, Glory.

He was disappointed in New Mexico, however, because there was no gold and no glory. There were many Natives to convert to Christianity but Oñate was cruel and eventually removed from his post by the Spanish Crown.

After the first winter many of the settlers Oñate took with him to the northern outpost returned to Zacatecas. But they were replaced. And many stayed. And they had families. And they are the ancestors of many contemporary Northern New Mexicans.

It was here that many of those early New Mexican's began their journey along the Camino Real.

A man sweeps in front of the Cathedral of Zacatecas before the Mass for Our Lady and the pilgrims.

The town of Zacatecas has narrow streets and old world architecture. The Cathedral can be seen at bottom center.

The streets are similar to streets in the old world with their ornate stone detail work.

The main street through town

A man sells toys as the Guadalupe pilgrim's bus waits nearby.

A narrow alley in Zacatecas

Heriserlo Diaz Flores, who maintains the massive bells in the tower over 100 feet above street level, peeks out of the bell tower to see the statue of Our Lady in front of the Cathedral.

Our Lady on the truck in front of the Cathedral of Zacatecas.

To the Cathedral

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The bus drives to the Cathedral this morning in Zacatecas.

Viola, Diana, Eugene and Suzanne sing a prayer while driving to the Cathedral of Zacatecas.

Highway from Mexico City to Zacatecas

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Send off

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Workers kiss the statue as they secure it onto the truck for the trip to Zacatecas. A mariachi band played as the statue was driven away toward its next destination.

Behind this door...

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...is the Tilma, the cloth upon which is the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Secured behind this vault door the Tilma can be rotated around from its display spot above the altar for cleaning.

Special guests

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After Monseñor Diego Monroy Ponce blessed the statue the group form Santa Fe was treated to a breakfast in the tower behind the altar of the Basilica of Guadalupe. The artist, Gogy, was present as were numerous church officials and even some Mexican congressmen. The honor is something usually reserved for church leaders and political leaders. Just days prior the Monseñor hosted U.S. Presidential candidate John McCain and Jeb Bush, brother of the U.S. president.
The Santa Fe pilgrims ascent a circular staircase in the tower of the Basilica.

Monseñor Diego Monroy Ponce, top, left, speaks with the artist Gogy and other Mexican dignitaries.

Monsignor Jerome Martinez y Alire of the St. Francis Cathedral and Father Tri from Our Lady of Guadalupe are interviewed by a Mexican television station.

Hand

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Many women and men that came to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe wanted to reach out and touch the statue. Many cried, many prayed and some made their way through the throngs of people outside the Basilica to lay a hand on the statue.

Blessing by Monseñor Diego Monroy Ponce

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The Mass

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The Basilica was packed with a crowd of 5,000 people. People were spilling outside this morning for the 9 a.m. Sunday mass. There were 26 priests and 6 deacons on the altar for the mass, including Father Tri from Our Lady of Guadalupe in Santa Fe and Monsignor Jerome Martinez y Alire from St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe. Deacon Anthony Trujillo, Deacon Gilbert Valdez and Deacon George Rodriguez of Tucson were also on the altar for the celebration.

Devotion

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"Bienvenidos a la Basilica de Nuestra Señora"

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Preparing for mass at the Basilica and the blessing

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First light at the Basilica

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Adios

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Adan Arenas Moreno closes the door to the foundry as the statue begins its journey north.

Loaded up

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People at street level and upstairs watch the statue being loaded onto the truck.

The statue is loaded.

Gogy, the artist, and her husband Alvaro Enrique Arellano watch as her work is loaded.

The statue is covered with a tarp to protect it during its journey.

Foundry doors open, the neighborhood comes out

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When the foundry doors swung open people from the neighborhood came to see the 12 foot-tall bubble-wrapped and crated statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Word had spread around the barrio that something was happening down at the foundry. Something was going on. News photographers and television cameras were there documenting something.
The doors to the foundry open.

Adan Arenas Moreno and Dana Casandra Ramirez Arenas, 8 months, watch the excitement.

Cameras document the scene.

Bubble wrap

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Bernardo Peña Silva, left, of P&K Logistics and family members of the movers prepare the bubble wrap.

The statue is ready to be wrapped.

Workers apply the final layers of wrap

Rev. Tien-Tri Nguyen, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in Santa Fe watches as the last cover of foam is placed over the statues face.

Stars, rays

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Lowering Our Lady

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Chains are prepared to life the 4,000 pound statue into a crate.

Workers from Transportes Mora use rope to gently lower the statue.

The statue is wrapped with nylon straps.

Pulling her down.

Workers strain to lower the statue, a risky move that could have exposed any weak welds in the statue. Fortunately it held together strong.

Keeping her steady

Ready to be placed in the crate and wrapped with plastic

Devotion

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Mexican Sculptor Georgina "Gogy" Farias was chosen to create the statue for her obvious creative talent and ability to organize a large project such as this. But maybe more importantly the team from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Santa Fe chose Senora Farias because of her devotion to the image.Gogy leads a prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Finish work

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The artisans that created the statue worked throughout the night to complete the project for today's loading onto the flatbed. Some looked desperate for sleep this morning. Some were wearing the same clothes as yesterday. They ground, stained and polished bronze continuously through the wee hours while the rest of us slept and toured Mexico City.
Grinding the stars to reveal the glow of the bronze.

Daniel Zeferino cleans up the statue.

Working on the final shine.

Aurelio Zuñiga sprays a protective finish on the statue.

The base of the statue is adorned with the names of the creators.

Manuel Martinez seen through the rays of the sun around the statue.

Daniel Zeferino, left, and Jorge Zuñiga clean the base.

Agustin Zuñiga grinds bronze to bring out the shine.

The artisans work furiously to complete the project.

Daniel Zeferino's reflection is seen in the shine of the sun rays.

Artisans at work

Daniel Zeferino cleans the statue's face.

Something special is happening in there

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The normally quiet street where the foundry is located outside of Mexico City was abuzz this morning. Something was happening.

Inside the large steel door of the nondescript building workers were finishing the statue. And the whole neighborhood knew it.

As people walked past they could catch a glimpse of a towering version of their nation's patron saint. Some went and got their children. Some came inside to take a photograph with the statue. Some stood by for hours and watched in amazement as the statue was loaded for her journey to Santa Fe. Families of the workers and artisans came and all watched the events unfold on a normally quiet Mexican street.

Pedro Yael Aguirre Torres, 3, resident of Mexico City

The Basilica

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Fiesta!

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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"

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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

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Clay model at the artist's home

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The foundry

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The artists

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The pilgrims

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Making Our Lady

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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

2008-07-11T21:19:00.010-06:00

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

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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.

Military parade in el Zócalo

2008-07-10T22:30:00.009-06:00

The Zócalo, Mexico's main square, was crowded with thousands of young military cadets this evening for the flag lowering ceremony. They were there for a drill competition. The Mexican National Guard troops that performs the nightly flag lowering ceremony are young looking; these cadets are even younger looking. Some looked like they were 12.

The Pyramids of Teotihuacan

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Today we were tourists.The Pyramid of the Sun

Pyramid of the Moon

El Sol with temples in the foreground

The main path through the ancient city

The group of New Mexico pilgrims and their tour guide Pepe

Hola Mexico!

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Mexican soliders raise the flag in the Zocalo, Mexico's main square and national gathering place.