Guadalupean Torch Run to make annual stop in Diocese of Lake Charles | Sports & Recreation

The annual relay, the International Run Carrera Antorcha Guadalupana Mexico-New York Torch Race, connecting Mexico and the United States, will make two stops in the Diocese of Lake Charles. The relay began on its Oct. 3 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City and will conclude at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on Our Lady’s feast day, Monday, Dec. 12.

On Thursday, Nov. 10, the runners will be arriving from Texas at 2:30 p.m. at the Southwest Louisiana Visitors and Tourist Bureau off I-10 near the North Beach. Following a short break the relay will continue down Lakeshore Drive to Broad Street and on to St. Henry Catholic Church, 1021 Eighth Avenue, where the torch and painted large-scale images of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego will arrive at 3:45 p.m.  Upon arrival at St. Henry, Bishop Glen John Provost will extend his blessing over the images, the torch, and the runners. A Rosary in the church begins at 5 p.m., with the celebration of Mass, by Rev. Monsignor Daniel Torres, beginning at 5:30 p.m. A covered dish celebration honoring the runners will be in the St. Henry Community Center following the Liturgy. Everyone is invited to attend all events and to honor the passing of the Holy Fire and the images of Our Lady and St. Juan Diego down the streets of Lake Charles.

The runners will recommence their journey on Friday, November 11 at 8:30 a.m. from St. Henry Church and run down Broad Street to U.S. Highway 90 through, Iowa, Lacassine, Welsh, Roanoke and on to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jennings. The torch and images are expected to arrive about 5:45 p.m. and will remain in the church until Saturday, Nov. 12, when they will continue their journey through the Diocese of Lafayette and into the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

The run, which had its beginnings in 1998, represents the fervor and faith Hispanics have for Our Lady of Guadalupe, arguably the premier national symbol of Mexico and its culture. The relay seeks to promote friendship and solidarity among Mexican-American community groups all along its path, and provide a symbolic link for those families divided by the international border. More than 25,000 people take part in the relay and an audience of more than 22 million in Mexico and the United States monitors its progress.

At the conclusion of the journey, the torch will have traveled through nine Mexican states and 13 U.S. states, while passing through more than 60 cities and covering more than 3,133 miles.