Each December, in Mexico City, the faithful embark on a pilgrimage like no other. The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrated annually on December 12, transforms the city’s Basilica of Guadalupe into a beacon of hope, faith, and gratitude. For millions, it’s a personal journey of resilience and devotion. But what drives people to walk hundreds of miles and endure physical exhaustion year after year? Is it faith, tradition, or something more profound? The answers unfold in the footsteps of the pilgrims.
Millions Walk for the Lady of Guadalupe
Around nine million pilgrims come from every corner of Mexico, and beyond, some traveling hundreds of miles. Their paths converge at Tepeyac Hill, where, according to Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to the Indigenous farmer Juan Diego in 1531. Many arrive carrying images of the Virgin on their backs or shoulders, a testament to their faith. Others, driven by gratitude or fervent petitions, even complete their journey on their knees despite the physical toll. Their acts of devotion, shown all over social media in these modern times, paint a moving picture of faith in action.
“Although it is not an official day in the calendar of the Ministry of Labor, in Mexico City it is common for it to be a day off, especially in the areas near Cerro del Tepeyac and in general in Mexico City since millions of people come for several days before and after December 12 in processions from various parts of the country running errands and arriving at their sanctuary of Guadalupe,” Meteored, a Spanish-language Mexican outlet, explains.
Stories of the Faithful
For many pilgrims, the journey begins days, sometimes weeks, before the feast. And their reasons for coming to the Basilica vary.
“I ask the Virgin for many things, and I hope she grants them from the bottom of her heart,” one pilgrim told adn40Mx news. “I come to her house to visit her, and with all my heart, we hope she lets us return safely. We always come with great devotion every year, and I hope she continues to bless us with life so we can visit her year after year.”
Another pilgrim recounted their journey to the Mexican news channel: “We left San Jerónimo Tius Manalco on December 8 at 9 p.m. We’ve been walking since then, without stopping, as part of our yearly devotion. My children and the neighbors from our town accompany me.”
It is not uncommon to hear accounts of miracles attributed to the Virgin — from healing illnesses to resolving personal crises.
Celebrating the Lady of Guadalupe
On the evening of December 11, the area surrounding the Basilica buzzes with celebration. Tents and makeshift shelters line the streets as pilgrims settle in for the night. There are fireworks and mariachi bands. And, as midnight approaches, the crowd sings Las Mañanitas, in unison to honor the Virgin.
Inside the Basilica, the iconic image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the focal point. According to tradition, this miraculous image appeared on Juan Diego’s cloak, or tilma, as proof of the Virgin’s apparition. For the faithful, this image is a living connection to faith and heritage.
“Mexicans, we look to Our Lady of Guadalupe every year for hope and light and no matter what comes our way, we know like Mary’s on her side, you know, she’s looking out for us, she’s gonna help us, she’s gonna lead us, always point us to Jesus,” Aida Bone, director of Advocacy and Justice in the Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, tells NPR.
Uniting People Worldwide
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a religious event that unites people across generations and all over the world. Besides Mexico City, millions gather at Catholic churches around the United States, from Los Angeles to Houston to Chicago, and more, to celebrate Mary.
“Though we so often distinguish ourselves through borders, races, languages, political ideals, and so many other possible sources of division, Our Lady’s patronage is a powerful reminder that we are all called to be one in Christ Jesus, beginning from the moment of our conception. At this time, when some of our brothers and sisters are experiencing fear and anxiety, we are reminded of the abiding words of Our Lady to Saint Juan Diego: ‘Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here, I who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection?’” Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, chairman of The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, said yesterday.
In his reflection, the Bishop added: “We beseech you, Blessed Mother: May the same love you radiated in the presence of Saint Juan Diego nearly five hundred years ago penetrate the heart of every man, woman, and child in our nation, creating in each one of us a profound and unrelenting awareness of our shared humanity. Intercede for us with your Son, Jesus, whom you brought forth from your womb to shine as the Light of the World. Envelop us in the comfort of your mantle, bringing forth the peace, hope, and healing that is so desperately needed in our age.”
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As the sun rises today, on December 12, back at the Basilica of Guadalupe, a sea of pilgrims share their stories of joy, exhaustion, and fulfillment. Together, they reaffirm the timeless power of faith. And, in a world that often seems so fractured, could their pilgrimage serve as a reminder of the renewal and unity that only faith can inspire?
