A relic of a piece of the tilma of Juan Diego — the cloth that contains the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe — will be touring the United States soon.

The relic is on loan to the Apostolate for Holy Relics in Los Angeles for a pilgrimage to dioceses in the United States until Dec. 8.

The relic was given to Archbishop John Cantwell of Los Angeles by the Archdiocese of Mexico City in 1941. It is now in the archives of the Los Angeles Archdiocese and plans are under way to enshrine it in the new cathedral.

Some 12 million to 20 million people visit the shrine of Guadalupe each year. The relic's tour will provide an opportunity for those who cannot make the trip to share in the spiritual benefits.

With war looming, the tour will also promote devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Queen of All America and Patroness of the original and new evangelization. The Tilma of Tepeyac Tour will actively encourage those who attend to continue such devotion by praying the rosary especially during this Year of the Rosary.

The Apostolate for Holy Relics is a non-profit, tax exempt, public benefit corporation located in Los Angeles.