On October 27^th, Bishop David O’Connell marked the beginning of the Traveling Torch celebration of our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, by lighting and sending forth 14 torches from the Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold. 
 
Our Lady of Guadalupe who appeared to Juan Diego in 1531 in Mexico worked a miracle through him that helped to unite all people and has converted millions to Catholicism ever since.
 
The torch run, a traditional Mexican religious pilgrimage that dates back more than half a century to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe and commemorates this apparition, is an event that seeks to promote, to all the community groups along its path,  the peace and hope that is found in her son Jesus. 
 
This tradition will be reenacted throughout our Diocese during the month of November.  14 torches will travel to select parishes throughout the month and finally end its journey on December 1^st with a procession to St Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton where the Bishop will, once again, receive the torches in celebration of a very special Mass.
 
We, the Church of Saint Ann in Lawrenceville, NJ, are honored today to receive the Diocesan Our Lady of Guadalupe Torch.