How a Costa Rican National Holiday Connects with My Life

Daily writing prompt

Scour the news for an entirely uninteresting story. Consider how it connects to your life. Write about that.

I found this in the news. On August 2nd thousands of Costa Ricans come together in one of the country’s most heartfelt traditions — a walk to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in the city of Cartago. “The Virgin of the Angels” has been the country’s patron saint ever since 1824.

This annual pilgrimage, known as the “Romería” is a national holiday in Costa Rica. It attracts as many as 2 1/2 million people, almost half of the country’s population. They walk from various parts of the country, “fulfilling promises, asking for miracles, or simply giving thanks.” The journey has become a symbol of national unity.

This tradition began in 1635, when Juana Pereira, a young indigenous girl, found a small statue of the Virgin Mary on a rock near a stream in Cartago. Tradition says that every time Juana took the small, dark-skinned virgin and child home, it mysteriously returned to the rock. (The statue is known as “La Negrita” because of its dark complexion.) Ever since then, August 2nd has been a time for church services, prayers, and a collective walk of religious devotion. Many of the pilgrims are seeking healings, miracles, and blessings. For more information click here.

When I learned about this pilgrimage it touched my heart, and I wrote this: May a vibrant faith in the living and risen Jesus Christ arise in the hearts of Costa Ricans and overflow in powerful expressions of faith, gratitude, and hope throughout Costa Rica!

Once that kind of faith arouse in me and it has never faded away. Now every day of my life is a spiritual pilgrimage. However, I’m not walking with a crowd to a particular church to see a statue of Christ’s mother and baby Jesus. I’m journeying within my heart and laying down my desires so that I can surrender my life more and more fully to the resurrected and ever-present Jesus. (Matthew 28:20) I’m seeking to obey what Mother Mary said: “Do whatever He (Jesus) tells you.” (John 2:5)

What you know
With your mind
Won’t make you grow.
Without God’s life
It’s just info
You remember.
When your heart knows
That Jesus rose
God’s life will rise
From within you.
(John 7:38-39)

About Steve Simms

I like to look and think outside the box. In college I encountered Jesus Christ and I have been passionate about trying to get to know Him better ever since. My wife and I long to see the power and passion of the first Christ-followers come to life in our time. I have written a book about our experiences in non-traditional church, called, "Beyond Church: An Invitation To Experience The Lost Word Of The Bible--Ekklesia." If you need encouragement, search for: Elephants Encouraging The Room and/or check out my Amazon author page. Thank you!

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