Thousands of pilgrims celebrate devotion to Christ of Esquipulas in Guatemala

Esquipulas, Guatemala, Jan 18, 2011 / 13:59 pm

Thousands of Catholics from Central America and Mexico gathered to celebrate the traditional devotion to the Christ of Esquipulas in Guatemala Jan. 14 - 15.

The rector of the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Msgr. Diego Monroy Ponce, who attended the event, donated a replica of the original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the Basilica of Esquipulas.

According to a press release issued by the basilica, Msgr. Monroy also presided at the Mass and Enthroning of the image on Jan. 14.

Priests asked Quirio Catano, a sculptor, to make the image in 1594.

Together with the rector of the shrine, Abbot Hector Sosa Paz, and Msgr. Monroy, the archbishop offered the prayers of the faithful to Christ, especially for Guatemala’s upcoming elections.

The devotion to the Christ of Esquipulas in Guatemala dates back over 400 years and is also observed in New York, New Mexico and Los Angeles.