Our Lady of Guadalupe's message is one of hope, Bishop Solis says during feast day celebration
SALT LAKE CITY — On Dec. 11, various parishes around the Diocese of Salt Lake City began the traditional Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration on the eve of the feast day. Because of the pandemic, the activities were scaled back this year.
Some parishes only transmitted their celebration through social media, while others welcomed a limited number of parishioners and requested the use of face masks at all times. Nevertheless, Our Lady was celebrated with joy, faith and hope.
Bishop Oscar A. Solis officiated at the celebration at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, which started with mariachis and other musical groups paying tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Fr. Martin Diaz and Fr. Dominic Sternhagen, respectively the cathedral’s rector and parochial vicar, concelebrated. Deacon Guillermo Mendez assisted.
As the bishop processed to the altar, the Cathedral Men’s Choir sang the Mañanitas (Hispanic Happy Birthday song).
In Spanish, Bishop Solis welcomed parishioners from all over the diocese, some of whom were attired in traditional Mexican dress, to the celebration of the commemoration of the Holy Virgin of Guadalupe.
He then narrated the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who appeared four times to Juan Diego at the Hill of Tepeyac in Mexico City, the same place that the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe now stands. Millions of people visit that shrine every year, but this year due to COVID-19 the basilica was closed to visitors on the feast day.
In his remarks, Bishop Solis emphasized that those in the cathedral that night were united as a community of faith to celebrate in a spirit of thanksgiving for Our Lady.
“Our God gave us the beautiful gift of Christ his Son; the world received this salvation gift through Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, our Savior. Tonight we celebrate this special gift from God, Our Mother, under the name of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She came from the people and for the people, especially for the poor and the most defenseless; since then millions of people were converted to the Catholic faith,” Bishop Solis said.
Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared as a humble woman with dark skin before a humble Indian, and spoke of everyone being sons and daughters of God created in his image, and “God assures us of his love and his care through Our Lady of Guadalupe,” the bishop said. “She was and still is a model of a true missionary disciple of Christ who always guides us to her Son.”
Stressing that Our Lady invites everyone to get to know Christ, love him and serve him, Bishop Solis said. “She is an instrument of transformation. Her miracle is a great inspiration for all of us; it’s a message of hope, especially through the hardships.”
The bishop urged the congregation to never forget that Our Lady of Guadalupe talks about the love that God has for everyone.
“Her appearance is a clear testimony of the blessed celestial power of love and maternal protection. Never forget her message of hope and peace,” he said.
Saint John Paul II “told us to be close to our celestial mother,” the bishop said. “She is the star that guides us through the darkness, through the uncertainties. In these times of troubles and hardships, we can always look to her for her protection, intercession and maternal care. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.”
“¡Viva Cristo Rey!, ¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!, ¡Viva San Juan Diego!,” (“Long live Christ the King! Long live the Virgin of Guadalupe! Long live St. Juan Diego!”), the bishop shouted; and the congregation responded “¡Vivan!”
The celebration concluded with a group of Aztec dancers giving tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
© Copyright 2024 The Diocese of Salt Lake City. All rights reserved.
Stay Connected With Us