Holy Trinity Parish in Passaic on Dec. 8 held a Spanish Mass to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney was the main celebrant of the well-attended liturgy.
In 1531, the Blessed Mother appeared four times in Mexico to St. Juan Diego, asking for a church to be built in her honor. These apparitions are called Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron of the Americas, specifically Mexico, mothers, and the unborn.
The Mass took place on Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a few days ahead of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12. Father Antonio Rodriguez, Holy Trinity’s pastor, concelebrated the liturgy with Bishop Sweeney. Deacon Pawel Halat assisted.
An outdoor procession featuring a float with a large Our Lady of Guadalupe image occurred before the Mass.
Many faithful, including children, dressed in garments of their native countries and cultures and carried with them banners, flags, and images of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The children’s choir sang a hymn to Mary, and young people presented a dance to her.
— Michael Wojcik
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
