Torch Runners Arrive Wednesday

Torch runners honoring La Virgen de Guadalupe, the patron saint of the Americas, will arrive here Wednesday (Dec. 10, 2008) for a Mass and will continue Thursday on route to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City for a Feast Day celebration on Dec. 12.

The run began in November at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City and passed through many cities, garnering press attention and expressions of devotion along the way. The torch relay is meant to emphasize the plight of illegal immigrants and this year the focus is on invoking the saint’s help for the many immigrants who have been forced to return home due to the economic downturn. See a Daily News story here.

According to Vincent Nunez, church administrator at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Plainfield, the torch is coming from a parish in Passaic and will be at the Westfield Circle at about 5 p.m. Runners will proceed to the Watchuing Circle by about 5:30 p.m.

Once in Plainfield, the torch will be kept for a 7 p.m. Mass at St. Mary's and on Thursday will continue on to Paterson as part of a final leg to St. Patrick's Cathedral by Dec. 12.

A Google search of news clips reveals the honor associated with being a torch bearer. In San Antonio, Bishop Oscar Cantu carried the torch as explained in this news clip.

Whether a believer or non-believer, one can't help but be impressed with the hope and energy of this observance.

--Bernice Paglia