Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration
by Sister Francine Koehler, SSND
"This particular image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, is one of the most beloved and well known images in many Latino countries. The ways her faithful children find to celebrate her love for them is truly amazing."
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12 each year is to honor Mary as Patron of the Americas.
Mary’s response to her unique calling as the Mother of Jesus and the Mother of God gives us a humble, yet supreme example of the faithful steward. Her cooperation with God in the work of redemption by her YES to Gabriel’s invitation lies at the very heart of Christian stewardship in its deepest meaning. By her YES she allowed God to use her as the ultimate steward, directing her entire life toward sharing her supreme treasure, Jesus himself, with the entire human community.
Advent is a special time for pilgrims and stewards to move toward the Light which Mary gave to us—Jesus. With her we wait with listening hearts for Jesus to be born within us. During this short season of joyful anticipation, there is a special celebration of Our Lady that is the highlight of many Spanish-speaking Catholics. It is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12.
On that day in 1531, Our Lady appeared to a humble peasant, Juan Diego, canonized a saint by Pope John Paul in 2002. She asked him to go to the bishop and request him to build a temple in her honor. The bishop did not believe such a simple, uneducated Mexican. Juan Diego returned to the foot of Mount Tepeyac and again the radiant Lady told him, the most humble of her sons, to deliver the message. This time the bishop asked for some kind of sign.
The next day Juan Diego’s uncle became seriously ill and asked him to bring a priest for confession and the last rites. Taking another route to save time, Juan Diego encountered the beautiful Lady waiting for him. She assured him that his uncle was already feeling better and asked him to climb to the top and to fill his mantle with the roses he would find there. "Dieguito" was astonished to find many beautiful roses in spite of the cold, dry climate! He quickly filled his mantle and when he opened it to show this sign to the Bishop, there imprinted on his mantel was the precious image of Our Lady of Guadalupe as we know it today.
This annual mid-September event is a Mexican independence celebration with food and music. Everyone is invited to enjoy authentic dishes, traditional dance, and folk dress while expanding cultural understanding. We encourage the integration of all cultures in our parish, thus sharing a mutual richness of our diverse cultural gifts.
"God of power and mercy, you blessed the Americas at Tepeyac with the presence of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. May her prayers help all men and women to accept each other as brothers and sisters. Through your justice present in our hearts may Your peace reign in the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. "
The annual celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe usually includes a Novena to Our Lady, praying the rosary, a Vigil, Mass, music, food, and other activities. Assistance with all phases of these celebrations from planning to set-up, serving, and clean-up is appreciated. Donations toward the expenses involved are also requested.
Contact: Sister Francine Koehler, SSND ~ 417-334-2928, ext 105
Miguel Canizalez ~ 417-272-3013
Rosie Garcia ~ 417-231-5619
Xochitl Rendon ~ 417-331-0490
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