Cathedral celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe
SALT LAKE CITY — With a standing-room only crowd at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, the Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration on Dec. 11 began with catechism students reenacting Our Lady appearing to Juan Diego in 1531 at Tepeyac.
Following this, hundreds of parishioners processed through the streets around the cathedral, carrying candles and singing while an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was carried by the Utah Knights of Columbus, who also provided an honor guard. The procession was led by Father Martin Diaz, the cathedral rector.
As they returned to the cathedral for Mass, dozens of participants laid flowers next to the image.
Bishop Oscar A. Solis presided at the Mass; Fr. Diaz concelebrated. Deacon Guillermo Mendez assisted.
In his homily, the bishop noted that they were gathered that night “to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Mother of Jesus, who appeared to a simple and devout servant of God, St. Juan Diego in Tepeyac, more than 500 years ago. Her apparition is one of the many manifestations of God’s infinite love and mercy not only to the Mexicans or Latinos, but to all the world.”
The miraculous appearance of Our Lady at Tepeyac converted millions of people to the Catholic faith, and when she introduced herself to St. Juan Diego, “she brought the message of God’s love, hope and comfort to the Indigenous people of the Americas during tumultuous time,” Bishop Solis said. “She came as a caring mother for all God’s children that helped them discover his mercy and compassion in their sufferings. Our Blessed Mother is truly a great blessing to us and to the world.”
Turning to the readings for the night, the bishop said that St. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, “helps us understand God’s plan to redeem us. He said, ‘When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his son, born of a woman.’”
The Gospel reading about the Annunciation “tells us the fulfilment of God’s plan of salvation,” the bishop said. “Mary was chosen to be the mother of the Son of God and to give birth to Jesus, the promised Savior. Mary continues her role as our heavenly Mother, reminding us that Jesus, the Emmanuel, is God with us, who will never abandon us, and encourages us to welcome and put our trust in him.”
In Our Lady of Guadalupe, the People of God can see how God’s grace works, he continued. “Mary sets for us a good example of a true disciple of Christ, worthy to imitate and to follow.”
He then asked the congregation some questions: “Are we better people than last year? Are you true Catholics in words and deeds? Have [you] been more faithful to God, to your spouse and children? Can you claim that you are real Guadalupanos, true devotees of Our Lady? ... If your answer is no, there is still hope,” Bishop Solis said, because God never gets tired of loving, forgiving and saving.
In conclusion, the bishop said, “Let us thank the Lord for Our Lady. May God, through the intercession of His blessed Mother Mary, save us and bless us with his gifts of joy and peace that Christ her Son brings. Amen! Viva Cristo Rey! ¡Viva San Juan Diego! Viva La Virgen Guadalupe.”
The celebration included Aztec dancers, who paid their respects to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Among those attending the celebration was Rocio Jurado, who drove from Tooele to be there with her family to thank Our Lady for the many blessings received, and also to ask for her care, she said.
“I have always been very devoted to Our Lady [of Guadalupe],” Jurado said, adding that during this particular celebration she wanted to sing happy birthday to Mary but also ask for protection and guidance through uncertainties.
“I don’t know what the future will be for us as immigrants in this country, but I know that through her intercession it will be OK,” Jurado said. “She has never abandoned us despite the challenges of life.”
For the celebration, some families dressed their children as Juan Diego or in traditional Mexican attire.
“We want our children to grow up knowing and living this tradition firsthand,” said Felipe Contreras, a cathedral parishioner.
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