Each year on Dec. 12, Catholic parishes and schools around the Archdiocese of Newark celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This cherished day holds a profound significance in the Catholic calendar, rooted in the miraculous apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, an indigenous peasant, on the hills of Tepeyac in Mexico in 1531.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, often hailed as the Patroness of the Americas, holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Catholics, symbolizing unity, compassion, and divine intervention.
To honor this sacred occasion, communities gathered in prayer, reflection, and festivity. The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry that defines the Catholic faith, blending indigenous traditions with the reverence of Marian devotion. The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is marked by a range of activities that reflect the diverse expressions of faith within the Archdiocese. From colorful processions and traditional dance performances to heartfelt serenades and candlelit vigils, the faithful come together to honor Our Lady.
Here are some ways Catholic schools and parishes across the Archdiocese of Newark commemorated the feast day this year.
At the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, a Holy Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe was celebrated by rector Father Bismarck Chau and monks from the Benedictine Abbey in Newark.A traditional Mexican Mariachi band serenaded the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Mass.At Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Patrick’s Church in Elizabeth, a Holy Mass was celebrated in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12.A little boy stands in the center of the aisle at Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Patrick’s Church in Elizabeth, wearing traditional clothing to commemorate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.At Koinonia Academy in Plainfield, students learned about the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe and created tilmas (cloaks) with Our Lady of Guadalupe imprinted on them recounted in a text of miracles on Our Lady.The shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe is blessed during Mass at Most Holy Name Roman Catholic Church in Garfield.Parishioners at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Park Ridge held a procession around the church with a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe.A shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe, covered in vibrant roses of every color, sits on the altar of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Park Ridge during Mass on Dec. 12.A Holy Mass was held in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Aedan’s Church in Jersey City.Following Mass at St. Aedan’s Church in Jersey City, a party was hosted featuring food, drinks, and a Mariachi band that serenaded the shrine of Our Lady.Students at St. Bartholomew Academy in Scotch Plains served at the Holy Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12.The pews of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Belleville were packed with parishioners on Dec. 12 at the Holy Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Featured image: St. Rocco and St. Brigid Parish in Union City set up a candlelight vigil to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
