La Basilica de la Virgen
Statue vendors use to photograph pilgrims and visitors with, one of many tucked away since there is no one to seel the photos to.
Today writers Alexis Okeowo and Camilo Smith and I headed out to the Basilica de la Virgen de Guadalupe in the North of the City (Red line Villa-Basilica exit). Because of the H1N1 virus or swine flu the basilica, a place of worship for thousands daily, is holding small masses outdoors and tomorrow will shut its doors completely and only televise one service at 9am.
The virus really has made this city of 20 million plus seem small and slow as a little town.
More stored statues . . . absolutely no one to sell to.
We took a stroll around after the service through the deserted courtyards, after hearing the prayer to help end the pandemic, also listed in this prior post.
Nuns stand in the back of the basilica
The faithful look up to the mantilla of Juan Diego.
Nuns stroll through the basilica.
Church service Saturday afternoon:
And the ride back home . . .
And one last one . . .
La Virgen de Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego at Tepeyac hill, where the basilica is built today.
Tomorrow . . . a post on Castigado or Punished . . . most likely one of the most entertaining and disturbing card games I’ve ever seen . . . check back!
Deanna Dent 