In 2024, Campeche marks 15 years of dedicated service to pilgrims arriving for the patron saint festivities of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The event is expected to draw up to 10,000 visitors, and citizens are encouraged to donate food and drinks to support the pilgrims.
Service and Support
The service post will be set up in Guadalupe Park, with additional support available in the sacristy. Operations will begin on Saturday, November 30, and continue until the early hours of the morning. Antonio Durán Herrera, in charge of Pilgrim Care, acknowledged the hard work involved but emphasized its rewarding nature. Last year, the care team assisted nearly 9,800 pilgrims and distributed over 22,000 food items.
Call for Donations
This year, the people of Campeche are invited to contribute by donating items such as water, cookies, bread, ham, cheese, and prepared foods like sandwiches, tamales, and spaghetti. Durán Herrera highlighted the importance of collective effort, stating, “Whatever it takes, drop by drop, the jar fills up. We do not need large quantities, but little by little.”
It is estimated that between 9,000 and 10,000 pilgrims will arrive this year. Since September 2, small groups have been receiving attention due to heavy rains in September and October. For instance, a group of eight pilgrims heading to Veracruz received assistance recently.
Post-Pandemic Activities
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, activities have fully resumed, with large groups of pilgrims from Tabasco and Chiapas expected to arrive. These groups, despite using Campeche as a resting point, have the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City as their final destination. Durán Herrera noted that these groups bring a rich cultural mix of Catholicism and ancestral roots, enriching the pilgrimage experience.
With a call for solidarity, the community remains committed to supporting the pilgrims who travel this important path to the Shrine of Guadalupe each year.
Source: Por Esto
