Intercultural Marian celebration will showcase images of Our Lady from around the world
SALT LAKE CITY — The Blessed Virgin Mary, with her many titles from Catholic cultures around the world, will once again be celebrated in the Diocese of Salt Lake City during the annual Intercultural Marian Celebration.
This year the procession for the celebration will take place Sept. 9 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Orem.
Planning for the celebration starts months in advance; part of this planning was the appreciation picnic for all the volunteers and their families, which took place on Aug. 13 at Fairmont Park in Salt Lake City. Dozens of people gathered to share games and food as they talked about their personal journeys with the Blessed Mary.
Among them was Christine Benevento, who recently consecrated her life to Mary as part of the 100th year anniversary of the Virgin of Fatima.
“When I heard of this opportunity I knew this is where I had to be. … Without a doubt my heart just ran here,” said Benevento, whose journey with Mary has been very meaningful.
“She has been a great role model,” Benevento said. “I lost my son, and when he was in the hospital bed I reached for Mary and I said, ‘You already showed me how to do this’. … And I just felt her presence with me the whole time. I felt Jesus the whole time, and I have never felt that peace leave me, so when the opportunity came to consecrate myself to her I knew that I had to.”
Participating in the Intercultural Marian Celebration is important as well, she said.
“We all have challenges in our lives, but participating in this celebration is a way to draw yourself closer to Mary and to know her better. So just come. She is calling your heart, so come,” Benevento said.
The same feeling was shared by Rita Stelmach, a member of the local Cursillo movement.
“Mary wants us to get closer to Christ, so she calls us to do it,” Stelmach said. “She appears to us in our different cultures and images. … She actually appears to us in a personal way, like a mother would. There is only one Mary and here we are all united as one.”
The Intercultural Marian Celebration will begin with a procession led by banners and images of the different representations of the Virgin from many countries of the world.
Among the many images and banners that have participated in previous Intercultural Marian Celebrations are those of Our Lady of Peace from El Salvador, the Immaculate Conception from the United States, St. Mary of Antigua from Panama, Our Lady of Coromoto from Venezuela, Our Lady of the Angels from Costa Rica, Our Lady of Aparecida from Brazil, Our Lady of Mercy from Peru, Our Lady of Charity from Cuba, Our Lady of Divine Providence from Puerto Rico and Our Lady of Perpetual Help from Haiti.
During the celebration, a rosary will be prayed in the different languages represented in the Diocese of Salt Lake City. Participants are welcome to dress in costumes of their native countries.
WHAT: Intercultural Marian Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9, 3 p.m.
WHERE: Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 65 East 500 North, Orem
For information, contact the Office of Hispanic Ministry, 801-328-8641 ext. 361 or 332.
© Copyright 2024 The Diocese of Salt Lake City. All rights reserved.
Stay Connected With Us