The Virgin of Zapopan

provides for the welfare of the people, heals the sick. It is even said that if the ill and ailing touch her robes miracu-lous cures are achieved. This belief began many years ago, in 1721 in fact, when the bishop of the province was dan-gerously ill and at death's door. When the image of the Virgin was brought to him he regained his health. The cure was attributed to the healing powers of the Virgin. Today many ill and maimed pay homage to La Virgencita, hoping that for them, too, will come hope and surcease from pain and sorrow.

One September afternoon, not long ago, our dear and respected friend, Rudolfo, called at our hotel for our daily tour of the city in his calandria. Rudolfo is a cochero and his horse and buggy is a delightful way to see Guadalajara. Calandria, incidentally, means "lark" in Spanish and wonderfully describes this unique way of transportation. The buggies just flit about.

We came finally to a part of the city where the streets were decorated with flowers and the spirit of fiesta was in the air. To our inquiry, Rudolfo explained this was a local celebration in honor of the Virgin of Zapopan, going from one parish to another. First came a thousand girls, dressed in white and carrying flowers, followed by a thousand men with white shirts, dark trousers, white gloves and dark ties, pulling a long rope, transporting La Virgencita in her carriage. They chanted Mañanitas Guadalupanas, a chant as sacred as a hymn, as friendly as a folk song. Rudolfo took off his hat in obei-sance to the sacred occasion. So did we.

Finally the Virgin passed, a 10-inch-high image in a brand new Cadillac. She had triumphed in one parish and was soon to be received in another parish-and so it is from June to October.

But on October 12th everyone joins to wish her a good journey to her own Basilica. Her blessings have been shed upon the city, all the people have vied to pay her homage, she is surely content at the adoration of her subjects, and she will return next year to love and be loved by her subjects . . . R. C.