First, what is a Quinceanera?
Simply put, a Quinceanera is the celebration of the 15th birthday in a young woman’s life, as commemorated in Latin cultures.
Its purpose is to mark the passage from youth into womanhood through ceremony and celebration. It is an occasion to honor and acknowledge Hispanic and Catholic traditions marking the transition every young woman experiences as she matures, both personally and in the eyes of society. To do these things, the Quinceanera has a few key components: the ceremony, the traditions and the reception.
The Sisters received the invitation from a graduate of St. Francis School and a previous Camp Franciscan attendee, Fabiola. Of course we would be there! The Sisters walked to church in advance of Mass to enjoy the beautiful decorations and flowers in church.
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- The middle aisle in church was artfully draped with crepe paper .
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- A close up reveals there are roses and feathers.
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- A special chair and prie-dieu were placed in front of the altar for Fabiola.
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- The bouquets contained beautiful roses and lilies.
The Mass with its special ceremonies remind the young woman about her religious responsibilities and her role as a woman.
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- Fabiola looks amazing!
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- Arriving by limo
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- Last minute gifting of necklaces.
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- Sami gets to carry the pillow.
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- A few quick pictures and we are ready to go.
Once the entire family had gathered and the final details were taken care of, Mass was ready to begin.
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- Father arrives and all is ready.
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- Fabiola is escorted by her brother and a friend.
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- Her mother reads the First Reading.
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- Fabiola renews her Baptismal Promises…
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- …and recites her formal commitment to the gathered congregation.
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- The Sponsor gives Fabiola a Bible and a rosary.
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- One of the traditions is the offering of her bouquet of flowers to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Here her mother witnesses her offering and prayer.
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- A satin covered Bible and rosary are reminders to live the Faith.
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- Fabiola’s grandmother, who came in from Mexico, reads the Second Reading.
It is time for pictures!
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- Isn’t she radiant?
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- Our little Fabiola is growing up. She was so composed throughout the Quinceanera.
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- Fabiola and her escorts.
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- We were happy to stand with her too.
…and off to the Reception.
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- Little brother is literally “off” the ground in excitement!!
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- The Sisters settled in to enjoy the festivities.
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- Many of our school students were there with us.
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- Wonderful food and a clever idea for fruit skewers.