The Diocese of Trenton’s celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe is back in full force this year, after a more muted celebration last year due to the pandemic, with some significant and exciting changes.
This year’s lighting of the Traveling Torches (Las Antorchas Guadalupanas) will take place Oct. 30 during 5:30 p.m. Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. From there, the torches will journey throughout the Diocese accompanied by Masses, Rosaries, and cultural festivities in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In the Mass of Sending (Envío in Spanish), the Torches will be lit, torch captains will be blessed and then sent out for the month-long celebration. Visit dioceseoftrenton.org/Guadalupe for more information.
Parish and school communities should contact the diocesan Department of Evangelization and Family Life to participate in the journey of the torches throughout November. All are welcome to take part in this monthlong celebration in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The Torches will be reunited on Dec. 4 in Lakewood for the diocesan-wide pilgrimage through the streets. Hosted by Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, the pilgrimage and closing Guadalupe Mass will take place at two of the new parish’s worship sites. Gathering at St. Mary of the Lake Church, the faithful will begin their Guadalupe pilgrimage at 9 a.m. and walk close to three miles – accompanied by songs of serenade, multilingual praying of the Rosary and camaraderie – to the Chapel of the Holy Family for Mass and fellowship. The Torches will be announced as they are brought into Holy Family Chapel at 11:45 a.m. with Mass beginning soon after at 12 p.m.
Visit diocesan social media and websites for more information: dioceseoftrenton.org/lighting-guadalupe-torches