“Devout Cozumel Pilgrims Embark on Sacred Journey to Sitilpech”

Over fifty devout followers from the San José del Mar parish in Cozumel, Quintana Roo, embarked on a religious journey to Sitilpech, Izamal. The pilgrimage, which was months in the planning, was led by the parish priest Luis Felipe Trujillo del Río.

The pilgrims, carrying the image of Saint Joseph the Pilgrim, arrived at the Holy Cross chapel in Sitilpech. They were greeted by the leaders of the September guilds, who were waiting with banners and pavilions.

Local congregants of all ages from Sitilpech joined the visitors from Cozumel in a procession to the local Catholic church. The image of the patron saint, Saint Jerome, was also present during the procession.

"This is our first visit to Sitilpech. It's a joyous occasion, and we were warmly welcomed by the faithful," said priest Trujillo del Río. "To see the devotion and fervor of the apostolic groups, who are faithful to the work of the Franciscan brothers, is a great blessing."

Upon entering the church, Trujillo del Río noted a significant coincidence. "The patron saint of Cozumel is Saint Michael the Archangel, and here in this community, they also have an image of him," he said.

The priest expressed his delight with the pilgrimage to Sitilpech. "Today, the image of San José comes with baby Jesus in his arms, who cared for and accompanied Jesus. Therefore, Saint Joseph is considered the father of the universal church. We regard him as our father and family protector. He embraces us as his son (Jesus) and opens the doors of his wardrobe to share his great treasure, his son, with us," he added.

The pilgrims left Sitilpech the following morning to continue their journey to other communities in Yucatán.