Franciscan Sisters and Hispanic Community Honor Our Lady of Guadalupe

Balloons, streamers, costumes and flowers surely signal a celebration!  All these elements lent themselves to the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe here at St. Francis Parish in Greenwood.  Families bedecked a trailer with balloons, drapery and ribbon in the colors of Mexico where Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego.

Seating for the children awaits the patter of little feet.

Juan Diego displays his tilma.

Our Lady prepares to take her place on the float.

Those gathered in the street soon moved inside a parishioner’s home to bring out the image of the Virgin.

The image of Our Lady is honored in a parish member’s home.

Father leads prayers and song.

A blessing for the image

After the blessing of the image, it was time for the last minute preparations of the float!

Juan Diego, a St. Francis School student kneels before Mary on the float.

2 school dads hang the image of Our Lady on the float before the procession begins.

Clouds filled the December sky and a brisk wind pushed us along the route of the procession.  Participants joined in praying the rosary and singing Spanish songs honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe.

The procession ended in front of St. Francis Church where many more members of the Hispanic Community waited.

The children present the image as Fr. Greg incenses it.

All pause in silence before entering church for Mass.

The Virgin and Juan Diego are on their best behavior.

St. Francis church held a joyful congregation of the faithful.  Some of the families spent most of Saturday preparing the church for the liturgy.  The beautiful statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe was banked in roses of every hue.  Those coming to celebrate brought countless more bouquets and plants so that Mary was surrounded with the beauties of God’s creation. So, beauty abounded in so many forms–the beat of feet following the image in procession, the lilt of voices raised in praise, the rhythms of the rosary prayed in faith, the reverent faces of children honoring their heavenly Mother, and the vibrant colors of blooms opening at the feet of the Virgin.  Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!