Southeast Texans witnesses to “Blessed Blaze”

Spirits were high at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Beaumont this weekend as people of all ages gathered to witness the “Blessed Fire” of the Guadalupe Torch Run.

Pick-up trucks filled to capacity with torch runners pulled into the parking lot of the hall Sunday evening minutes before the torch came to a brief stop before heading further down U.S. 90 to Cristo Rey, Beaumont.

The annual event has brought a message of hope to the Hispanic community in the United States for six years. Runners hand off the torch in an effort to raise awareness for immigration reform. The torch run begins at the Basilica de Tepeyac, Mexico City in October and ends at St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City, Dec 12, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The torch leaves Beaumont Monday headed to Lake Charles, La, on its way to New York.