MADISON — St. Raphael Cathedral Parish will hold its annual celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Holy Redeemer Church, 120 W. Johnson St., on December 11 and 12.
While Mary has long been the patron saint of Mexico, St. John Paul II proclaimed her the Patroness of the Americas in 1999. Juan Diego, to whom Mary appeared in 1531, was canonized in 2002, making him the first Amerindian saint.
Today people across Latin America — not only Mexicans — venerate Our Lady of Guadalupe, including many Latin American immigrants in the United States.
“For our immigrant community, the Virgin of Guadalupe represents the wait, the hope, and the motives to continue living and fighting in this world,” says Fr. José Eugenio Hoyos, from the Diocese of Arlington, Va.On December 11, the celebration will begin at 8 p.m. with songs, a folkloric dance, and the recitation of the Rosary. The Mass, in Spanish, will be celebrated by Fr. José Luis Vázquez, parochial vicar of the parish, and concelebrated by Msgr. Kevin Holmes, pastor. Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison will be in choir during the Mass; he customarily blesses the faithful after the Mass.
A potluck will be held after Mass in the dining area. Finally, there will be the “Mañanitas” (“Morning Serenade”) sung in honor of the Blessed Mother until 2 a.m.
On December 12, the celebration will start at 9:30 a.m. with folkloric dances, the apparitions, and recitation of the Rosary. The Holy Mass is at 12 noon, celebrated by Fr. José Luis Vázquez.
After Mass, there will be a potpourri of typical songs until 4:30 p.m. In the dining area, after Mass, there will be Mexican food with dessert included (contributions greatly appreciated), and “instant” raffles, with the chance to win the perfect Christmas gift.
Come to Holy Redeemer Church to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe as a reminder of her eternal love. Remember the words that Our Lady of Guadalupe spoke to Juan Diego: “Am I not here, I who have the honor of being your Holy Mother? Are you not standing in my shadow, under my protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not at my bosom, in the crux of my arms? What greater joy might you seek?”