 (CNS) The annual feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe recalls the miraculous apparitions of the brown-skinned Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego at Tepeyac, Mexico, in December 1531. She appeared to Juan Diego twice more, and the last time — on Dec. 12 — filled his “tilma,” or cloak, with roses. When he emptied his cloak of the roses, he found that it bore her image. The cloak is still on display at the Basilica of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Before Mary appeared to Juan Diego, the Spaniards’ efforts at evangelization had stalled in Mexico. In the decade after Our Lady of Guadalupe’s appearance, millions of indigenous people converted to the faith. |
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On the cover
Large photo: Rosario Muñoz, Alberto Meza, Nohemi Muñoz, and Yuritzi Escobar process in wearing costumes inspired by the Aztecs. Small photos, top: Camila Becerra is dressed as a peasant girl from Mexico. Bottom: Benjamin DeAnda is dressed as St. Juan Diego. The Mass begins with the children bringing roses for the Blessed Mother, and it is the biggest Hispanic feast celebrated in the Diocese of Rapid City. |
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| (Top left) A painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe that hangs in Blessed Sacrament Church, Rapid City. (Above) Yadriel Muñoz hands roses to Mary Daniel during the procession at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass. Children dressed as peasants and St. Juan Diego bring roses to place at the foot of the painting. Yadriel’s sister, Edissa Muñoz looks on. (Below left) Father Janusz Korban blesses the children in attendance. (Below right) The combined choir included members from different churches across Rapid City. They were accompanied by trumpets, string instruments, woodwinds, piano, and organ. (WRC photos by Becky Berreth) |
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Many thanks to Father Janusz Korban, the priests who concelebrated,
Deacon Raul Daniel, and all who helped with the celebration of
Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our gratitude is also expressed to Brian
Hagg, Jesus and Ester Meza, and La Costa Mexican Restaurant for
donating the roses for this special celebration.
* The Catholic Hispanic Community |
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