GONZALES - Zenaida Gregorio has a burning desire to wipe out oppression in the United States against undocumented workers from Mexico and Latin American countries.

That's why she's participating in the Carrera Antorcha Guadalupana, or Guadalupan Torch Run, a more than 3,000-mile relay from Mexico City to New York City.

"Perhaps this way we can show the congresses that we are people of peace, that we didn't come here to steal anything from anyone," said Gregorio, 31.

Mario Najera, the coordinator of the event, translated Gregorio's words from Spanish to English as they stood outside Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gonzales on Tuesday.

Gregorio was one of about 20 runners who carried a torch the 77 miles from San Antonio to Gonzales. They arrived at the church about 5:30 p.m., celebrated Mass at 6 p.m. and were scheduled to leave for Sealy at 7 this morning. They are scheduled to arrive at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City on Dec. 12, the day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

"We are only looking for a better life for ourselves and for our children," said Gregorio, who has a 7-year-old child who was born in the United States. She explained that "knowing that all of the world would see this motivated me to do it."

"For me, it has been very satisfying that I have contributed something in the struggle that we are enduring for all Latin Americans - not only Mexicans - and for all who have died," Gregorio said. "For us who can continue the struggle, we only ask that they give us a name, a face and that we be treated like human beings."

Najera said they are deserving.

"This country depends on the labor of immigrants. This country was founded on the labor of immigrants. And people need to realize that they are not taking away, but they are giving more and more," Najera said. "They are building the economy, yet they are receiving very little.

"They want their dignity. They want permanent residency. They want an amnesty," he said. "They are human beings, and they are not treated the way they should be." Najera explained that how far one participant runs in a day depends upon the number of runners. On Tuesday, there were 20 runners, so he said the 77-mile stretch averaged out to about 3.7 miles a person.

"They ran over 100 miles yesterday, and they have 1,000 miles total," Najera said. "And they would run millions, if they had to, to get the message across."

Rosa Maria Tellez, 30, agreed, explaining that spreading the message has been her motivation for the 45-day pilgrimage that began Oct. 29 at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

"Even though I am tired, I am feeling excited. I feel like crying," she said as Najera translated that she would be crying tears of joy for the cause.