The San Cristóbal Church in Mérida is ready to welcome hundreds of pilgrims in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Since yesterday, the first pilgrims have begun arriving at the sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the San Cristóbal parish, located in the Historic Center of Mérida. This iconic temple, one of the main sites of devotion to Guadalupe in Yucatán, is preparing to receive thousands of faithful for the festivities on December 11 and 12.
Early Arrivals
Among the first to arrive are José Fernando Kumul Canul and Dariel de Jesús Ko Pinto, members of the Laguna Kaná group from Quintana Roo. They started their journey on Sunday, December 1, and reached Mérida on Wednesday around 3:30 p.m. Their destination is Valladolid, but they made a special stop in Mérida as part of their promise to the Virgin.
José Fernando shared that the journey has been challenging, requiring at least four stops to rest and stretch their legs. They traveled by bicycle, carrying only the essentials: their clothes, two backpacks secured in small boxes, and basic repair equipment.
“We decided to come by bicycle as part of our promise because my son was born prematurely, and thanks to offering him to the Morenita del Tepeyac, I have my little boy at home. Although it has been tiring, it is an experience we undertake with great faith,” said Dariel.
They expressed gratitude to a group of people in Mérida who offered them accommodation for the night before they continued their journey. Both emphasized that they chose Mérida because they have participated in the Guadalupe festivities in San Cristóbal in previous years and were impressed by how the city keeps these traditions alive.
Upcoming Celebrations
As every year, the San Cristóbal Church will be the epicenter of the Guadalupe celebrations in Mérida. Hundreds of pilgrims, including torchbearers, are expected to arrive at the temple in the coming days. In 2023, around 2,500 torchbearers participated in the festivities, and a similar number is anticipated this year.
The main activities will take place on Wednesday, December 11, and Thursday, December 12, featuring masses, serenades, and the traditional Mañanitas to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Monsignor Gustavo Rodríguez Vega, Archbishop of Yucatán, will officiate a pontifical mass on the 12th at 6:00 p.m., followed by a thanksgiving mass celebrated by Monsignor Emilio Carlos Berlie Belauzarán at 8:00 p.m.
Source: Por Esto
