In the nearly 500 years since Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to St. Juan Diego neither her message nor the image she left on his cloak have diminished. Similarly, pilgrims who visit the shrine and our Girlstown say that the experience has left an enduring mark on their hearts.
The connection between the miracle of Tilma and the miracles of the Sisters of Mary’s work was made by Tom Sullivan, a member of the Papal Foundation and Board member of World Villages for Children. Five years after the Papal Foundation first teamed up with Legatus to organize the pilgrimage, attendees continue to report the impact it has had on them. Monsignor Robert J. Panke, a former pilgrim says, “It was such a wonderful and grace-filled experience to celebrate Mass at Girlstown and see the extraordinary work begun by Father Al and continued by the sisters. It had a profound effect on me and the others”.
During their visit to Villa de las Niñas, pilgrims attend mass with our students, enjoy lunch with the Sisters, and tour the campus. This September, our Girlstown in Chalco will be honored to host both pilgrims and His Eminence Cardinal Wuerl, who intends to join the pilgrimage.
Learn more about Legatus and the Papal Foundation, or watch a video showing highlights of the pilgrimage and providing a glimpse into our Girlstown.
You can also read more about last year’s pilgrimage in our October 2017 newsletter.
From left to right: A pilgrim bonds with students during a game of basketball, students welcome pilgrims to their Village, a view of Chalco Girlstown
