The Office for Hispanic Ministry of the Paterson Diocese held the annual “Noche de las Velitas” (“Night of the Little Candles”) on Dec. 8 on the grounds of Holy Face Monastery in Clifton. This Latin-American tradition honors the Immaculate Conception, the solemnity of which the Church observed that day.
More than 68 people from different parishes united for the event in English and Spanish to honor the Blessed Mother. The faithful prayed the rosary and sang traditional songs to the Blessed Virgin Mary while a few participants recited reflections.
The outdoor candle-lit procession ended at a shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Afterward, participants enjoyed hot cocoa and cookies.
Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious, joined the faithful in prayer that night.
The “Night of the Little Candles” dates back to Dec. 7, 1854, when Pope Pius IX published his apostolic constitution, “Ineffabilis Deus,” which defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. People in Colombia lit candles and paper lanterns in celebration of the announcement. It is an annual tradition that Colombians and other Latin American countries have observed ever since.
— Michael Wojcik
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
