Pastor's Points: Our Lady of Guadalupe

Pastor's Points: Our Lady of Guadalupe

After I completed college seminary, I was assigned by the diocese to study Spanish in Cuernavaca, Mexico for 14 weeks. It was there that I became immersed into Mexican life and culture and the Spanish language. It was there that I really was introduced to Our Lady of Guadalupe. She was everywhere: on the public buses, taxi cabs, in shrines on the street, in homes and, of course, in churches. Our Lady of Guadalupe was and is so much a part of the everyday life of the Mexican people. 

Over the years, I  have come to understand the importance of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whom we honor as the Patroness of the Americas. We will celebrate her feast day on December 12. This is a  very important day in the life of the Catholic Church in the Americas and for us a parish. This day also marks the anniversary of the dedication of our church. On this day, we will celebrate a bilingual Mass at 7:00PM. A reception will follow with Mexican food and entertainment. I would like to encourage you to come to this Mass. Please make some time for it. That night there will also be a bilingual rosary at 6:00PM.

This is a beautiful opportunity for us to come together as one parish family from different ethnic backgrounds, speaking different languages but united in our Catholic faith under the mantel of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We will also celebrate our Mass with the school for the week on December 12 rather than on Friday because of the important role that Guadalupe plays in the life of our parish community

Throughout my many years of priestly ministry, I have been privileged to work among our Latino brothers and sisters. (I like to say that I am a little bit Latino). One thing that has clearly stood out to me during these years has been their great devotion to honor Mary, especially under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mary appeared to Juan Diego as an indigenous person. She was one with the people. She looked like them. Mary came and brought her message of love and concern for God’s holy people. Our yearly celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe reminds us of the importance of role that Mary played in the history of our salvation and how she continues to intercede for the Church and show forth the love of God for the world.

On December 11, we will hold our traditional Our Lady of Guadalupe Vigil in Spanish, which will involve a Liturgy of the Word, Aztec Dancers, the rosary, Mariachis and refreshments. Click here to learn more about the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe.