Week 2 - Wednesday
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Scripture Reflection:
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
5:00 am Las Mañanitas
5:30 am Mass
La Virgen de Guadalupe - A National Symbol
The
key figure in acceptance of the Catholic religion by the indigenous
peoples of Mexico was the Virgin of Guadalupe, whose story goes back
to 1531, just twelve years after Hernan Cortes first set foot on Mexican
soil. On December 12, 1531, as the story goes, a poor Indian named Juan
Diego was walking along in a desolate area north of Mexico City, seeking
water for his uncle. Suddenly, on a hillside, he saw a vision of a beautiful
woman, who directed him to a spring of fresh, cool water. A few days
later, in the same spot, the vision appeared again to Juan Diego. This
time, she instructed him to go to Mexico City to tell the high church
officials to build a church in her name on that site. Of course, the
ecclesiastical officials did not believe the poor Indian. Why would
the Virgin Mary appear to someone so lowly? They asked for proof. When
Juan Diego returned to the hillside and the Virgin appeared again, he
asked her for a sign. Suddenly he saw some beautiful red roses, even
though roses do not normally bloom in that area in December. He gathered
them into his rough Indian tilma (blanket) and took them to Mexico City.
When he opened his tilma for the high church officials, they fell to
their knees in veneration and amazement. There, imprinted on the humble
Indian blanket of Juan Diego, was the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe,
exactly as Juan Diego had seen her. It is said that the image is so
perfect in detail that one sees in the pupil of the Virgin's eye the
image of Juan Diego.
Today, thousands of devout Catholics make pilgrimages each year to the huge Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe, in the northern part of Mexico City, to view from a discrete distance the image of the Virgin imprinted on Juan Diego's blanket and to worship with Catholics from around the world. Pilgrims may also worship at a small shrine on the very hillside where Juan Diego first saw the vision.
Rich and poor alike venerate the Virgin of Guadalupe. One can see her image in small shrines in humble homes in the most remote villages. Her image can also be found in virtually every cathedral and church in Mexico, as well as in parochial schools, businesses, markets, buses, taxis, and many homes. December 12, the day of Virgin of Guadalupe, is an official national holiday, observed with pilgrimages, processions, special masses, fiestas, and Indian dances in front of some churches. In a sense, the Virgin of Guadalupe represents the essence of Mexico, the fusion of two cultures, Catholics and indigenous Mexico
Advent Opportunities:
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel
Our parish is blessed to have 24 hour Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, located in the Chapel adjacent to the Parish office. The chapel is located in the south end of the office building (entrance facing St. Anthony School). There is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Scheduled adorers are given the combination to enter the chapel throughout the day and night. To schedule your holy hour of adoration, please call 439-0124 ext. 106.
Reflect on the Word
Join Martha Danks-Ferguson and fellow parishioners in a study of next Sunday's Liturgy of the Word. This session follows 8:00 am mass in the Parish Office Boardroom.
Experience a Retreat
Sister Disciples of the Divine Master
Workshop by Fr. Steve Coffey, OSB
Topic: The Nuns of Helfa & Eucharistic Spirituality
Where: Sister Disciples of the Divine Master, 3700 N. Cornelia Avenue, Fresno
When: Saturday, December 15th - 9:30am - 3:00pm
Cost: $20.00
Please bring your sacklunch, notebook & pen. Please call Sr. Tiziana or Pauline for reservations at (559) 275-9978
