Today I was able to visit a Shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe. She is the patron of the Americas and it seemed particularly fitting as today is the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I didn’t actually put that together until I arrived. There was a long winding pathway up to the chapel, which had places to stop, admire a statue, learn more about a saint, and take in the scenery. On the path just ahead of me was a young man wearing an all white suit, carrying a large bouquet of flowers as a tribute. There was also a beautifully dressed teenage girl celebrating her quincenera wearing her extravagant red sequined dress. She was accompanied by several boys all wearing black suits with white shirts and red ties. They made the trek as well as their photographer and took many photos along the way. Mass was starting not long after I made it to the top as a little bonus – also unplanned. The chapel was only built within the past 25 years, so it was modern, yet ornate as if it were much older with an altar rail and altar for the priest to face the same direction as the congregation. A replica picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe was just beyond the altar. Mass was beautiful, the grounds and devotional sites were peaceful, and the people were all so friendly. I was grateful I was able to spend time there.

I Found God today in a peaceful visit to Our Lady of Guadalupe.