Every year, thousands of faithful believers in the Virgin of Los Angeles walk hundreds of miles to pay a visit to the Virgin as a promise for granted favors and miracles. This year, the local media has been following the journey of a group of people which left from the southernmost region of Costa Rica.
The group has been walking for almost 5 days now and has finally reached the most difficult part of their journey. The Cerro de la Muerte, or Mountain of Death, is one of the routes highest peaks and receives its name by the hundreds of travelers who lost their lives during the colonial era. The extreme low temperatures, icy rain and thick fog were the cause of deaths for those unfortunate travelers who couldn’t make it past the cold.
The group from Golfito and San Vito expects to reach Cartago on time by Saturday. One of the pilgrims fervently prayed to the Virgin to please help his mother who had to undergo surgery for a tumor. His mother’s operation was successful and he is keeping his promise to La Negrita as the Virgin is affectively called due to her dark complexion.
Another woman is carrying out a promise for her friend who was close to death due to a pulmonary infection. A farmer from the remote southern lands is making the pilgrimage so that the Virgin will help him pass his math test from his home schooling program and opt for a high school degree.
Sussy McAllsiter, a Canadian who moved to Costa Rica with her husband decided to make the pilgrimage with her new neighbors in order to learn more about the tradition and customs of the Costa Rican Catholics. She has mentioned that what impresses her is the sense of comradery and union among the people.
Starting Friday, the main streets in the central valley will be filled with thousands of pilgrims on their way to Cartago. Extra caution and patience will be needed when getting from place to place.
Recent Comments