Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture - Christina Lobosco

Chapter two talks a lot about the origin of pilgrimages and the element of Mexican connection to the journey.  I direct quote states, “Pilgrimage lives in Mexico.” Mexico is embedded with an immense amount of shrines, monuments, and statues that only deepen the religious affiliation to the Mexican culture.  The significance of pilgrimages are so prominent in Mexico it was directly stated that “Pilgrimages in Mexico have both Old and New World antecedents.”

The connections between this culture and pilgrimages are genetically rooted and linked to Spanish religious culture.  Many people also had encounters with holy images that were very significant during this time. It was said that holy images are “found in the ground by knocking a dirt clod aside, in caves while fetching lost sheep, in ponds, in streams, on islands, and in trees.”  I found it interesting to know the different places these holy images were found. So many were uncovered in caves and in hidden places that required discovery and accounts to be written.

One icon that is highly regarded in Spain is Our Lady Of Guadalupe.  A statue has been dedicated to her and is acknowledged throughout the world.  Millions of travelers visit this sacred site and is one of the leading contributors to religious affiliations in Spain.