Families gather for annual Virgin of Guadalupe Mass

En Español

Families gathered Dec. 9 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen for the annual archdiocesan Mass in honor of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. The celebration, which is marked as a national holiday in Mexico Dec. 12, included traditional folkloric dancers, a debut performance by the Hispanic Archdiocesan Chorus, and a social gathering followed by Mass.

Archbishop William E Lori blesses a member of the Hispanic community following Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe December 9, 2023, at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staf)

Since her apparitions in 1531, Our Lady of Guadalupe has served as a unifying force, transcending cultural boundaries and fostering deep faith.

Images of the Virgin Mary currently kept at St. Clement I Parish in Lansdowne were reverently brought to the cathedral. Borrowed from the “Antorcha Guadalupana” Committee for this significant event, these sacred depictions included a notable replica of the tilma, or garment, carrying the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, now enshrined in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. The original image, miraculously imprinted on St. Juan Diego’s garment, holds profound symbolism for evangelization, playing a crucial role in guiding Latin American indigenous communities toward embracing the Catholic faith.

Beginning at 6 a.m. Dec. 9, a group of dedicated volunteers from St. John in Westminster spent six hours diligently crafting the sawdust “carpet” with an image of Guadalupe. Jorge Medrano, a key contributor to the carpet from St. John, emphasized the communal spirit that defined the event.

Parishioners from St. John the Evangelist is Westminster created art from sawdust for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration December 9, 2023, outside the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

Using traditional materials – sawdust with food coloring – the community created a symbolic masterpiece. Medrano expressed the shared sentiment, stating, “It means a lot to us, especially for the Mexican community, to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe. We feel blessed to have been invited to create this image of Our Lady.”

The procession showcased the cultural diversity of the participating parishes, as parishioners made their way to the altar with flags from various Latin American countries and children from the local Hispanic community dressed in traditional attire. The Mexican folkloric dance group, “Matachines” from Sacred Heart Parish in Glyndon, danced to the rhythmic beat of drums toward the pilgrimage site for Our Lady of Guadalupe.

During Mass, the Hispanic Archdiocesan Chorus, composed of singers from various Baltimore parishes who practiced for months, presented melodies in tribute to the Virgin, performing traditional songs such as “La Guadalupana.”

To bring the community together, Mass and a dramatization recounting the apparitions of the Blessed Mother at Guadalupe were both bilingual. Archbishop William E. Lori joined the congregation with Father Javier Fuentes, associate pastor at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Frederick, who delivered a homily during the Mass emphasizing Mary’s role in consoling and strengthening faith.

Children hold a portrait of Our Lady of Guadalupe in honor of her feast day December 9, 2023, outside the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

Roberto Cruz, a parishioner from St. John in Westminster, who found himself overwhelmed with renewed faith for Mary of Guadalupe amid a challenging situation, turned to the Blessed Mother, fervently seeking guidance and solace. “It was like a profound affirmation of her divine presence in my life. I felt her maternal care enveloping me, guiding me through the difficulties. It was a moment of clarity and reassurance, and my connection to the Virgin Mary deepened in a way I never thought possible,” he shared.

The celebration continued with more folkloric dances outside the church. Attendees enjoyed champurrado, a traditional Mexican beverage that is similar to chocolate, with sweet bread and tamales, savoring the traditional flavors.

Sharing her feelings of pride and connection to the larger community, Maria Santos, a parishioner from Sacred Heart in Glyndon, said, “Being here with our community, celebrating together with the Virgin, makes me feel part of something more significant. Our culture and devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe are beautiful. Today, I feel proud to be part of this tradition.”

Email Adriana Montes at amontes@CatholicReview.org

To view more photos from the event, visit catholicreview.smugmug.com/Our-Lady-of-Guadalupe-2023/ or click through the slideshow below.