Dressed in colorful garb, members of the Danza el Tepeyac and Holy Family Parish’s Matachines, danced to the beat of a drum while waiting at Holy Family church for the Catholic torch runners to arrive on the evening of Nov. 3. “The dance is a prayer to our Lady of Guadalupe and we dance for the torch runners,” dance leader Braulio Castillo said.

“We are doing this mostly for the Virgin, for peace in Mexico and the rights of illegal immigrants,” Rosa Jiménez, a parishioner at Holy Family, said.

When a small red pickup adorned with pictures of Our Lady of Guadalupe came within eyesight, the dance group and spectators surrounded the 15 runners of the torch, providing a protective barrier from cars during peak traffic time.

Irene Anes, director of catechetical, spiritual formation and evangelization for Holy Family said the run is actually a pilgrimage for all immigrants. “They want peace in Mexico,” Anes said.

The Tepeyac Foundation from New York City began the practice of the torch run in 2002 for the purpose of bringing together two nations and thousands of families who are divided by the border. Family members of Mexican immigrants carry the torch, which passes through every state where families of immigrants reside until reaching its final destination, New York City.

The foundation’s origins began in 1996 when a group of priests asked Cardinal John O’Connor to officially offer aid and assistance to each and every Mexican immigrant who arrived in New York City.

After the foundation had become organized, the International Run Carrera Antorcha Guadalupana Mexico-New York was born.

Father Patrick Donahoe, pastor of Holy Family Parish, lit a candle from the torch and placed it on the altar to keep the flame alive throughout the night.

“The torch run is a great symbol of unity between all people, especially for all immigrants. It brings awareness of the need for immigrant reform, concern for proper and dutiful care of our immigrants,” Father Donahoe said.

The runners started at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico on Oct. 1, arrived at St. Martin of Tours in Kingsville on Nov. 2 and reached Holy Family Church on Nov. 3 went on to Our Lady of Victory in Beeville and are due to arrive at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York on Dec. 12 on the Feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.