I decided to go on this pilgrimage with the thought that it would be a fun, adventurous, and educational trip with the opportunity to make new friends and had a good time with my present friends.  This pilgrimage to Guadalupe with Trailblazers was definitely a great experience but also a faith-filled journey to become closer to Our Lady.

The daily attendance at Mass and Benediction started all of our days with the focus on Christ which reminded me of my duty to give every day of my life to perform God’s Will.  The hiking to Mexico City was a challenge at some times, but also a great time for me to contemplate and recite the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy.  The ability to have Confession every day was also a great asset to become closer to God.  These sacraments of the Church were the instruments which despite the physical pains of the pilgrimage made the spiritual growth very satisfying. 

The opportunity to see the wonderful miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Saint Juan Diego was breath-taking and very powerful for me.  To be a couple of feet away from the miraculous image which Our Lady herself imprinted upon the Tilma that should have disintegrated was and still is unbelievable!!  When Trailblazers made their consecration to Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Basilica, kneeling in front of the altar stationed in front of the Tilma, I felt Our Lady’s mantle envelop me.  I experienced the protection that Our Lady had always provided for me and will never forget I am her special daughter!

My pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe strengthened my faith through the sacraments and our consecration.  It also strengthened my legs from all the hiking!  The scouts who accompanied us were a great addition to the experience and the pilgrimage created wonderful memories which I will never forget!