Reflective Pilgrimage to Guadalupe Shrine
On Sunday September 22, a group of 14 women hopped in a large van and drove from the Twin Cities to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The trip was guided by the water, our earth, and the Divine. At the first rest stop, the group encountered a beautiful lake and an ancient tree. The tree invited the group to gather in a circle while they offered tobacco in gratitude to the wisdom of the ancient oak.
The conversations in the van going to the Shrine included: history, colonization, spirituality, roles and the power of Latina women. The day was beautiful with full sunshine as they arrived at the Guadalupe Shrine. Flowers were blooming and fall arrangements were perfectly honoring our Divine Mother of Guadalupe. Bees were working hard at harvesting their source before the winter. The group greeted Our Lady and broke bread together at a big table in preparation for the pilgrimage to the church up on the hill.
Women walked the pilgrimage in awe and admiration for the beauty, the nature, the company, and the Divine surrounding them. They engaged in critical reflection and pondered about some of the sculptures and artifacts. Once at the church, each of the participants took the time to honor their faith and practices as they were taught by their families, communities and culture.
In the downstairs crypt, the group gathered in a circle with each other and with a guided visualization by Fanny Prema-Manishi. They engaged in deeper connection with the Mother and accepted her blessing. Many of them came out not only humbled and blessed by the Divine Mother, but deeply connected to the power of the circle of women. Some reflected on the honor and pride of the shared culture, language and indigenous roots.
The day closed with deep gratitude to Eye of the Heart Center for Creative Contemplation for this transformative and connective spiritual experience that honored the sacred in the Latina/e culture.
In addition to Reflective Pilgrimages, Eye of the Heart offers a variety of Circle experiences through Medial Women Circles, Writing Programs and Wisdom Dance Circles. We warmly invite you to join us.
Warmly,
Celina Martina
