Our delegation left Saltillo, Coahuila by bus on Friday at approximately 4:45pm and arrived about 1km from the Basilica. We walked to the Basilica and visited the ayate (A traditional “”Poncho”” worn by the indigenous people of Mexico woven using the fibers of the agave plant) worn by Saint Juan Diego during the apparitions of Our Lady from December 9th through the 13th , 1531. It truly is a miracle how well preserved it is after nearly 500 years. We then walked to the statue of Cristo Rey and prayed the Holy Rosary.
The procession met at 7:30am on Sunday and started at approximately 8:15. The three-hour walk was filled with hymns, praying the 15 traditional mysteries of the Holy Rosary, and the occasional “”Grito”” of VIVA CRISTO REY!! “”VIVA!!!””, VIVA LA SANTISIMA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE!! “”VIVA!!!””, After the procession ended at the Basilica, we all gathered for a short blessing and then walked another mile to the Convento Madres Minimas Franciscanas (Convent of the Franciscan Minima Mothers) where we divided into three groups for the Tridentine Mass. The main chapel had the High Mass and the other two had the Lower Mass. After mass, we had a luncheon social of traditional Mexican food. After the luncheon, we boarded the bus at 4:30pm for the 13-hour ride back to Saltillo.
I was impressed at not only how many young people participated, but how many young SSPX priests there were participating in the pilgrimage. I met several priests from Mexico, and even one from France.
All in all, it was a beautiful experience that I am already looking forward to participating in next year.
May God Bless you, and VIVA CRISTO REY!!!
Sincerely,
Brian Govier
