Pilgrimage to Mexico of the Love Crucified Community
During the Solemnities of the Immaculate Conception, the Birthday of Conchita and the Solemnity of Our Lady of Guadalupe. To pray, ponder, consecrate ourselves and seek Our Lady's guidance.
"My daughter -Jesus said to me- I want you to say frequently and specially y your sorrows, this words, with a loving disposition, ´this is my body, this is my blood,´ offering yourself to the eternal Father in union with me. Don't you remember that you are a living host and shall be a victim?" -Conchita
The Immaculate Heart of Mary gathered us around her at the Cathedral and told us that she was pleased with us. She also encouraged us to live our identity as transformed men and women living the Path with her. Lourdes received a vision: Mary gave her 2 roses, one red for martyrdom and one white representing purity. She brought them together to become one. Lourdes understood that purity is necessary for martyrdom and reminded us that white and red are the colors of our community´s Cross and also of Divine Mercy.
As we admired and prayed at the numerous side altars of the Cathedral we found the tomb of Ven. Bishop of Mexico, Luis Maria Martinez (1937-1956), whose spiritual writings have been an inspiration to many in the community. He was Conchita's last spiritual director.
We also found martyrs, such as St. Vital who was buried alive for helping a companion not to loose his faith, and the chapel at right dedicated to St. Felipe de Jesus, the first native Mexican missionary martyred in Japan (1597)at the age of 25. He is the patron of youth and of Mexico City. Come Holy Spirit, that we may follow their footsteps!
The statue of our Sorrowful mother that is venerated in the church of San Fhilip Neri was photographed during our 2011 and 2016 pilgrimages. I always felt that the first photograph was a special gift of our Mother for the community, that she was showing us her desire to enter the Path with her! He tears shined brightly as diamonds. That image is now in front of my desk at the Refuge of Padre Pio. I pray to her daily for each one of you, our sons and daughters. We are one heart with her in love and thus also in her sorrow for the offenses against Jesus and the suffering of her children.
Blessed Father Miguel Pro SJ was martyred Nov 23, 1927 for excercising her priestly ministry. Like Fr. Felix, he had returned back to Mexico during the persecution while many were leaving. While they shot him he chose to have a crucifix in one hand and a rosary in the other, arms extended in the form of the Cross. He forgave his persecutors and died crying out "viva Cristo Rey" (long live Christ the King). President Calles thought that executing Padre Pro publicly would demoralize Catholics, so he had the execution photographed and published on the newspapers, but it had the opposite effect. Thousands lined the streets at his burial even though it was forbidden. He teaches us faith, courage to be victims of love without fear. He was fully aware of his identity and faith. This happened in a Christian country just like it has happened many times (France, Spain, Germany, Russia, Cuba...) Our Lady, prepare our hearts!