|
Our Lady of Guadalupe parishioners unite under her mantle
By Lynanne Lasota, news@catholicsun.org
January 1, 2009
QUEEN CREEK — Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted joined with Our Lady of Guadalupe parishioners Dec. 12 to celebrate the apparition of the Blessed Mother to St. Juan Diego some 477 years ago.
The community planned a four-day Marian pilgrimage and painted the buildings inside and out for the installment of the new pastor, Fr. Thomas Moylan.
Generous parishioners donated funds to have a Stations of the Cross prayer garden built on the grounds and volunteers dedicated time to construct it. Hours before the bishop arrived, people were still putting the finishing touches on the garden.
“The garden is not about the rocks, plants and arches,” said Legionary of Christ Father Thomas Bennett, the associate pastor. “It’s a dedication to Our Mother who brings us to Jesus, her Son.”
A two-ton, solid white marble statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be shipped from Italy this month and placed in the center of the cross sidewalk, he said.
Three groups of Hispanic parishioners who wore traditional garments also honored the Blessed Virgin. They journeyed from a hill named Tepeyac on the Gila Indian Reservation to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish each day for a four-day pilgrimage that began on Dec. 9, the feast of Juan Diego.
“The pilgrimage is likened to our daily walk in faith,” Fr. Bennett said. “As the people walked each night from house to house stopping to pray the rosary and dance in honor of Our Lady, they focused on our final destination of the kingdom.”
On Dec. 12, the pilgrims processed into the freshly painted church singing to the Blessed Virgin in Spanish. Children held a crucifix and banners with images of Mary’s face.
Another group of pilgrims, dressed all in red, beat drums and danced. A third group, dressed in brown with red and yellow feathered headbands adorned with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, knelt before her statue, draped in a turquoise, star-filled mantle.
In his homily, Bishop Olmsted reminded the congregation of the prophecy in the book of Revelations.
“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of 12 stars,” he said. “With awe and wonder the people of Mexico saw God fulfill this prophecy in 1531.”
The bishop explained that the purpose of Mary’s visit was evangelization — to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to a new land.
“The message of faith, hope and love was needed in 1531 and it’s badly needed today,” he added. Bishop Olmsted reassured the faithful of Mary’s mission of reconciliation and restoration by remaining close to us and interceding for us.
“She is near to Fr. Thomas Moylan as he is installed as pastor to this parish,” the bishop said. “She is close to all priests as she brings them to Christ her Son.”
Fr. Moylan read and signed the installment paper before the congregation.
“The parish really reflects that of a Christian family,” he said. “Like at home, the children are all different. We will become one under her mantle.”
|
