Spanish-speaking Catholics from nearly a dozen parishes around the Diocese gathered for an all-day pilgrimage in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, as part of a celebration for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Bright and early the morning of Dec. 6, pilgrims gathered in the Mother Church of the Diocese where they participated in a procession into the church and prayed the Rosary which was led by Father Rene Pulgarin, pastor of Christ the Redeemer Parish, Mount Holly. Each parish group in the procession made a special offering to Our Lady during the procession, weaving Hispanic music and dance into the celebration. Other highlights of the day-long event included presentations by Father Pulgarin; Deacon Benito Torres of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton, and Msgr. Joseph Roldan, Cathedral rector, who spoke on the life of Our Lady in Spanish. A separate catechism session for children was available for children ages two to 10.

The community was filled with joy and excitement when Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., arrived. During the visit which he obviously truly enjoyed, the Bishop greeted the families, joined in the singing and dancing and indulged in many photo opportunities which included a lot of “selfies” that were taken with cell phones and iphones. The day rounded out with praise and worship, Mass at noon, a theatrical interpretation of the apparition of the Blessed Mother to Juan Diego, a Holy Hour and a bonfire.

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrates the appearance of the Blessed Virgin to Mexican peasant Juan Diego on a hillside in December, 1531, to ask that a church in her honor be built at that site. Juan Diego petitioned the Archbishop of Mexico City, who asked for proof of her identity; in answer, Mary left roses in the winter and her imprint upon Juan Diego’s cloak.

More to come on this story.