Every year, on December 12, faithful around the world celebrate the day in which Mary, the Mother of God, gave humanity a selfie. Okay, maybe not with a 12 Megapixel camera, but even more impressive than that. She did give us an image of herself and how she revealed herself to St. Juan Diego, a humble man and recent convert to Christianity.

He begged the Mother of God to ask someone else, someone who would more eloquently ask the bishop to build a church in that place in her honor. She chose Juan Diego because of his faith, not because of his eloquence in speech.

Young members of the community prepared dances in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. These dancers are commonly known as "Matachines."
That is the faith seen in the many churches and shrines around the world, venerating the image of the pregnant Mother of our Savior. This year on December 12, the Hispanic ministries of the surrounding region joined forces for a large celebration of this feast. The celebration took place at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence, LA. 

The communities from St. Helena, St. Dominic, Holy Ghost, and beyond, all gathered for the celebration. The celebration represented parishioners of the Hispanic and non-Hispanic communities, to display the unity in faith amidst barrier by language.

Prayer was the beginning and foundation of the celebration: the recitation of the Holy Rosary, the celebration of the Eucharistic mystery, procession with Our Lady, and dances in honor and joy of her message to the indigenous people of Mexico. These were followed by delicious and abundant food. All made possible only through the planning, generosity, and coordination of the respective Hispanic ministries of these parishes. Thanks be to God! 

Our Lady has cared for many communities and individuals through her prayers in the past, and she continues to do so to this day for those who ask her intercession before God. She always brings us closer to her Son. 

A representation of Mary's apparition to St. Juan Diego.
¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!
¡Viva Cristo Rey!

Fr. charlie, Fr. Emilio, Fr. Reuben, and Fr. Carlos concelebrated the Mass. (Photo credit: Jeanie McAndrew Holmes.)