Remember alt. route for pilgrimage at Mt. Cristo Rey on Sunday

Sunland Park Police are giving residents in the borderland a heads up about the upcoming Pilgrimage at Mount Cristo Rey on Sunday. They want to remind everyone that due to the construction of the GO-10 project, people will only be able to enter from Mcnutt Road and Racetrack Drive. Since Paisano is now closed people will not be able to come that way. Police are encouraging people to use Sunland Park Drive from El Paso and even Mesa Street to Country Club Road. This should help elevate traffic. The annual pilgrimage is held on the last Sunday of October each year. This pilgrimage celebrates the anniversary of the completion of the monument and the date was chosen to coincide with the Christian feast of Christ the King. In previous years, estimates have shown attendance at as many as 40,000 faithful. The pilgrimage begins at 9:00 AM with a procession led by the Bishops of the Diocese of Las Cruces and El Paso . A mass is conducted at the top of the mountain as the monument looms over the gathering. Throughout the day starting before the main ascension begins, even before sunrise, people are already making their journey. Due to security concerns, it is not recommended to do so. Due to the limited parking at the base of the mountain, it is suggested that you arrive early. Parking fills up quickly and many have to resort to parking in the Sunland Park area. Hiking attire for fall weather in the southwest climate is encouraged.