In anticipation of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, parishes across the Diocese will once again participate in a series of traveling torch lightings, or “Las Antorchas Guadalupanas,” during the month of November, which will culminate in a diocesan-wide pilgrimage celebration in Lakewood.
The annual celebration of Las Antorchas Guadalupanas, or Torches of Our Lady of Guadalupe, however, marks two significant milestones in the Diocese in 2025. It’s the 10th year that the Diocese has held the celebration and it is also included in the Diocese’s observance of the Jubilee Year of Hope.
The Torches of Guadalupe begins with the 5 p.m. Mass Oct.25 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, where the torches will be lit and all who will be in attendance will receive a blessing.
On Dec. 6, the torches will be reunited in Lakewood and will be prominently featured in the diocesan-wide pilgrimage through the streets of the Ocean County town. Hosted by Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, the pilgrimage and closing Guadalupe Mass will take place at two of the parish’s worship sites. Gathering at 7 a.m. at St. Mary of the Lake Church where performances will be held, the faithful will then begin their Guadalupe pilgrimage at 8:30 a.m. and walk close to three miles – accompanied by songs of serenade, multilingual praying of the Rosary and camaraderie – to Holy Family Chapel for Mass and fellowship. The Torches will be announced as they are brought into the chapel at 11:45 a.m. with Mass beginning at noon. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will be principal celebrant of the Mass.
A shuttle bus will be available to go between parish sites and lunch will be available for purchase.
To learn more about the Torches of Guadalupe, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/guadalupe.