Honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe as One Parish Family in Christ

This year on Dec. 12, everyone in our parish family — Hispanic and non-Hispanic alike — has a beautiful, unique opportunity to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, and take her as their heavenly mother.

“I once heard a priest explain to a group of children that Mary appeared to the Mexican peasant Juan Diego first, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t for people of other cultures as well,” says Vicki Reyes, President of the Society of Guadalupe. “She is for everyone, not just Hispanic people.”

From lively Mariachi music that cheers the heart to Mexican hot chocolate that warms the body, members of our parish family enjoy honoring this grace-filled feast day with all of their souls.

“As the morning Mass begins (in English), members of the Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe walk in with Father,” Vicki says. “Afterwards, we have authentic Mexican refreshments, pastries, and bread. This celebration is such a wonderful way to help Catholics find out more about their heritage. It is also a great way to preserve the rich traditions of this feast day for our young people and pass it on to them, or they will just die out. Each priest we have had has been supportive of it, which is so helpful.”

Normally, outside of years influenced by the pandemic, this annual celebration is funded with the help of a taco supper that is put on each year by the Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Their fundraising efforts cover the costs of the band, refreshments, and decorations. Our parish’s Society of Our Lady Guadalupe has been together since 1987. Over the years, they have fulfilled various charitable works, prayed the Rosary in common on a monthly basis, and fostered devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

“My parents had such a close devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and it inspired me to do so as well,” Vicki says. “They were both involved in the Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe as well. My father, Abraham, was the past president, and my mother, Amelia, is still a member. New members are very much needed and always welcome to join.”

Each year on Dec. 12, Mother Church commemorates the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego in December 1531, along with the subsequent miracle of her image being impressed upon his tilma (a rough cloak woven from vegetable fibers). This miraculous image spoke to the hearts of the Aztecs in their symbolic language on many levels, but mainly by revealing who this appearing lady was and her power exemplified by being “clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars,” (Revelation 12:1).

If you would like more information about this beautiful celebration, please call Vicki Reyes at913-980-9500 or email her at vreyes@twc.com.

The 2020 Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass