¡Hola! Por favor únete a nosotros! It's time for Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration!

A vibrant community celebration honoring "La Virgen de Guadalupe" through prayer, tradition, and heartfelt devotion.

¡Hola! Come celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Blessed Virgin Mary, on Saturday, Dec. 6.

¡Hola! Por favor únete a nosotros!

Do you know what that means? I believe I do: “Hello! Please join us!”

I know un poco español — as I like to say, enough to be dangerous! Recently, I had the joy of traveling to Spain at the end of September to attend una boda fantástica — a fantastic wedding — and I spent five unforgettable days in Cuenca. Talk about a religious experience!

Now, St. John the Evangelist invites you to “please join us” for yet another beautiful and faith-filled encounter: an authentic celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Saturday, Dec. 6.

A Morning of Faith, Joy, and Culture

Experience a vibrant celebration that blends prayer, tradition, and the rich beauty of Hispanic Catholic heritage as we honor La Virgen de Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

8:00 a.m. – Rosary

8:30 a.m. – Aztec Dancers

9:00 a.m. – Bilingual Mass celebrated by the Rev. Ed Shea (Father Lalo) from St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Gary.

Following Mass, enjoy fellowship in the Narthex, hosted by the Ave Maria Hispanic Ministry of SJE, featuring joyful performances by Mariachi Oro Y Plata and Azteca Basiles Folklóricos de Xel-Ha Escuela de Danza.

These meaningful traditions come together to create a morning overflowing with faith, community, and cultural beauty.

The Miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The story of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most powerful and tender miracles in Catholic history, a divine encounter that continues to transform hearts.

In 1531, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego, an indigenous man in Mexico. Her sacred image miraculously imprinted itself on his tilma (cloak) and today rests in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, symbol of hope, unity, and liberation for millions.

When the local bishop doubted Juan Diego’s message, Mary instructed him to gather roses blooming miraculously in winter. When he opened his cloak before the bishop, the roses fell, revealing her image — an image untouched by time, preserved on a fabric that should have decayed centuries ago.

Her appearance beautifully bridges indigenous symbolism and Christian faith:

• Sunburst, crescent moon, and starry mantle reflect Aztec imagery.

• Praying hands and the cross at her neck proclaim her Christian message.

• Black maternity ribbon around her waist signifies that she is with child, presenting Christ to the world.

• Angel beneath her feet symbolizes her heavenly mission and God’s protection over all peoples.

• Rose-colored tunic and turquoise mantle unite royal Aztec colors with Marian purity and divine grace.

Our Lady of Guadalupe remains a timeless sign of compassion, reminding us that God meets us in every culture, every language, and every moment of our lives.

¡Hola! All are welcome

Please join us on Saturday, Dec. 6 to be part of this unforgettable celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe at our church, 10701 Olcott Ave. St. John. All are welcome: bring your family, your friends, and your devotion.

For more information, please contact: sjehispanicministry@gmail.com

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!