HAMLET — Hundreds of people gathered at St. James Church as the Guadalupan Torch arrived in Hamlet for the first time in the parish’s history.
The Carrera Antorcha Guadalupana México-Nueva York torch run, in its 24th year, is making its way through the Diocese of Charlotte, from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City up the East Coast to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
The torch represents for many, especially immigrant communities, the maternal love and support of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas. The torch’s annual journey attracts thousands along the 3,000-mile route, which this year includes nine stops through the Charlotte diocese.
A deep connection with faith and family often overwhelms people like Moises Vargas, a parishioner of Divine Redeemer in Boonville, when they hold the torch.
“It’s our mother, my family, you know, I haven’t seen my mom in 30 years,” Vargas said. “So, if my mom goes to Mexico and holds the torch and I come here and hold the torch, I feel her. It's our faith. It’s God.”
Our Lady of Guadalupe is credited with transforming the indigenous populations in Mexico from paganism to Christianity through her apparition to St. Juan Diego.
Dancers at St. James Church expressed their honor and devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe through a deeply spiritual dance called “Matachines,” which celebrates the triumph of Christian faith and Mary's motherly protection.
— Lisa M. Geraci
