Since 2015 — Still walking
La Virgen de los Migrantes
A nine-foot steel image, commissioned in honor of every person who has crossed a border searching for a life worth living. Blessed by Pope Francis. Walked from Mexico City to the White House. Still on pilgrimage today.
The Artwork
Nine feet of steel, a thousand silent symbols.
Designed by the board of Thinkers, Inc. and commissioned to a Mexican artist, her mantle replaces the stars of the original image with the things migrants carry — sewing machines, lottery cards, koi fish, monarch butterflies, the train called La Bestia, and Ellis Island. Every mark is a memory.
Read the symbols →
The Blessing
Blessed at the Basílica de Guadalupe. Touched by Pope Francis.
On her first public day, the faithful filled the Basílica de Guadalupe and lit candles in her name. In his visit to Mexico in 2016, Pope Francis — the first head of state to defend the dignity of migrants in the United States — placed his hand upon her and made her venerable.
The Journey →
The Pilgrimage
From Basílica de Guadalupe to the White House.
She crossed Ciudad Juárez into the United States and walked the same routes followed by those she was made to honor. That September, Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. closed so she could pass — followed by more than 180,000 people, from the Capitol to the White House.
The Journey →
Today
Like a good immigrant, she keeps moving.
She continues to travel the world — a witness to the miracle of human resilience and a symbol of welcome for every community that opens its door to her.
Follow the journey