IT MUST BE A CATHOLIC CELEBRATION

Ron and Regina left Michigan several days ago for a new venture in their journey through life.

They are driving to their new home in a tiny fishing village north of Merida, the capital of the Yucatan. They cross the border to Mexico in Brownsville, Texas for the remaining 1400 mile journey around the Gulf Coast to the Northern Yucatan area that is their future home.

Any long trip such as this is a challenge. One needs to be prepared for the unexpected on a journey such as this. They encountered obstacles and detours. They encountered beautiful scenery and hospitable people.

They were traveling on December 8 and it seemed as if everyone was celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The roads were filled for hundreds of miles with children carrying wood statues of Mother Mary. Many carried torches or candles. Autos were following behind this vast procession of people showing their love of the Blessed Mother.

Regina stated to Ron, IT MUST BE A CATHOLIC CELEBRATION. They had not encountered a celebration such as this while back home.

George and I joined in the joyous celebration of the Immaculate Conception many years ago while we were in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It was a memorable experience. The joy and love of the people of Mexico for the Blessed Mother was so intense. The emotions filled our hearts.

Puerto Vallarta is nestled between the rugged sierras' and the ocean. We were staying on a beachfront property but ventured up into the rugged terrain on occasion. The road in the mountain area is steep and winds down the mountainside.

We were several miles away from the village and normally would take a taxi to our destination. But not this night.

As we left the resort, we looked to the mountain road on this dark night and witnessed an unbroken line of light moving slowly down the steep, winding road. It was an incredible sight. We were told that all roads to the village were filled with people carrying statues of the Blessed Mother, burning torches and lighted candles.

It would be impossible for a taxi to pass into the village from our location. It was suggested that we eat at the resort.

NO WAY!!!! We had never witnessed such a beautiful scene before and decided to join this procession of thousands of people walking down the mountainside to gather in the village and honor our Blessed Mother.

We forgot about dinner and fed off the energy and love of the beautiful human beings that we interacted with on this lovely night.

All loved our Blessed Mother very much and that love totally filled the atmosphere.

What a beautiful night to remember. December 8, 1985.