For 71 years, it has united people in a show of faith. But this morning, thousands joined to make the annual pilgrimage to the top of Mount Cristo Rey, each of them lifted by their own special inspiration.
Mario Miller says he is from El Paso and that it's his first time climbing to the top of Mount Cristo Rey.
"I lost a leg about 25 years ago, so this is another one of my goals I want to accomplish. I've been to the top of the hill up there. I've been to the highest point in Texas. So this is another mission for me," Miller said.
Alejandra Ondarza is from Mexico City. She says she came to pray about several things.
"Say God thank you for all the things I have now. Health, good shape, family and my fiance," Ondarza said.
Marco Zamarripa says he brought his family to come and thank god for the little miracle in their life.
"My little girl was born sick and I asked God if she came out of open heart surgery at four months. And they told me she wasn't going to make it and she made it.She's now 2 years old. So I believe," Zamarripa said.
He says faith and tradition are the main motivators that inspire him and his family to make the trek each year.
"I guess I can send them off on the right foot and help out other people just as my parents have taught me," Zamarripa said.
And while many come to give praise for personal issues, others come to seek hope for troubles that affect us all.
"I want to ask for the peace in Ciudad Juarez, because of the violence and the dead people and children," Ondarza said.
Prayers to end the violence in Juarez were echoed by many who made the pilgrimage - bringing a new spirit to this annual pilgrimage that has served to symbolize faith in our area now for seven decades.
Thousands of people climbed Mount Cristo Rey this morning not only to show their faith in God, but to pray for their loved ones and to end the violence in Juarez.
And the thought's going through Mario's head after making it up the mountain with a prosthetic leg?
"Another goal accomplished," Miller said.
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