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| Members of the Mariachi Juvenil del Sur include Miguel Juarez, Fabian Mercado, Miguel Juarez, Jr., Fabian Mercado, Jr., Rodrigo Mercado, Rego Raul, and Goel Escovar. (Catholic Herald photos/Pat Casucci) |
BELOIT — A joyous celebration honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe on her feast day, December 12, attracted hundreds of area residents, including families with children, to a solemn Mass offered in the Spanish language, a Mariachi band concert, and a festive Mexican meal.
Held at Our Lady of the Assumption Church (OLA), the event was sponsored by the Hispanic Ministry of the three Beloit Catholic parishes: St. Jude, St. Thomas, and OLA. Araceli Montoya, director of Hispanic ministry for the Beloit parishes, coordinated the event.
Mexican music
Prior to Mass, a half hour concert of traditional Mexican songs was presented by Mariachi Juvenil del Sur from Harvard, Ill. They stood in a semicircle at the foot of the altar before a framed image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Among the songs was a cheery “Las Mananitas,” which means “Happy Birthday to Our Lady.” The group, led by Miguel Juarez and Fabian Mercodo, also provided music during the Mass.
Mass in Spanish
Celebrating Mass in the Spanish language, St. Jude Pastor Fr. John Hedrick commented, “I feel that I am only beginning to understand the faith of the Mexican people.”
He has studied the Spanish language in order to offer Mass on the third Sunday of each month for area Hispanic people.