CHARLOTTE — Los feligreses de toda la Diócesis de Charlotte demostraron su fe y devoción a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en múltiples celebraciones llevadas a cabo en docenas de iglesias durante una semana. Algunas festividades incluso comenzaron el domingo 10 de diciembre, continuando durante tres días consecutivos hasta el día central de la fiesta, 12 de diciembre.
De acuerdo con una tradición en México, muchas personas permanecieron despiertas hasta altas horas de la madrugada del lunes para cantar “Las Mañanitas” a Nuestra Santísima Madre.
Algunas parroquias honraron a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe el martes por la mañana temprano con novenas y cantos, mientras que otras celebraron Misas y realizaron presentaciones de música y bailes tradicionales por la noche.
Greensboro
La parroquia Santa María en Greensboro comenzó sus celebraciones el 11 de diciembre con novenas y devociones especiales, Mañanitas, y continuó hasta el día siguiente con la celebración de la Santa Misa. El día concluyó con cantos, bailes folclóricos tradicionales y una recreación de las apariciones de Nuestra Señora a San Juan Diego, junto con deliciosa comida que incluyó tamales y atole caliente.
En la celebración debutó el grupo ‘Danza Santa María’, una agrupación de bailarines de la propia parroquia, que tras cinco años de paralización reinició sus actividades con el paso de la reciente Antorcha 2023.
Azucena Lara, su directora, comentó que los casi 30 integrantes, entre niños y adultos, trabajaron intensamente en poco tiempo para poder ofrecer dos danzas en honor a Nuestra Santísima Madre.
“Para nosotros es una forma de agradecer a la Virgen y a Dios por todo lo que nos dan”, dijo Lara.
“Estamos orgullosos y felices de ver que cuando traemos nuestras tradiciones aquí (a los Estados Unidos), no se pierden y se las transmitimos a nuestros hijos”, agregó.
La recreación de las apariciones de Nuestra Señora a San Juan Diego también fue muy emotiva. El vestuario, hecho a mano, estuvo a la par con un decorado realista que se alternaba con cada escena.
La Misa fue celebrada por el Padre Eric Sánchez, vicario, con el Diácono Enedino Aquino sirviendo en el altar. Concelebró el padre John Timlin, párroco.
Durante la Misa, el Padre Sánchez, vicario parroquial, trazó un paralelo entre la aparición de la Virgen a San Juan Diego y el Evangelio, que narraba el encuentro de María con su prima embarazada, Isabel.
Nuestra Señora, dijo, fue a ayudar a Isabel, así como más tarde llegó a ayudar a Juan Diego y a todo el pueblo de Dios.
“Me impresionan las palabras de la Virgen cuando dice que está aquí, que es nuestra Madre”, dijo el Padre Sánchez. “Pongámonos en las manos de la Virgen María”. High Point
En la parroquia Cristo Rey en High Point, los feligreses se reunieron para rezar el rosario en honor a Ntra. Sra. de Guadalupe y asistir a una Misa celebrada por su párroco, el Padre Joseph Dinh.
Luego realizaron una gran celebración con comida mexicana, música de mariachi, cantos, bailes y venta de artículos religiosos. Tanto niños como adultos vestidos con atuendos tradicionales, como réplicas de la tilma de San Juan Diego impresa con una imagen de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.
La comunidad hispana realizó una rifa donde los participantes ganaron premios y el Padre Dinh dio una bendición especial para los niños.
Reidsville
En la parroquia Santo Niño en Reidsville, más de 300 feligreses atendieron una Misa en honor a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Después del himno de entrada, una alegre devoción a Nuestra Señora, el Padre Frank Seabo, párroco, hizo una pausa y sonrió mientras miraba a la congregación.
“Pueden sentir al Espíritu Santo entre nosotros esta noche”, dijo el padre Seabo. “Qué hermosa noche para honrar a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, con todas estas flores y música y toda nuestra familia parroquial aquí junta”.
En su homilía, el Padre Seabo resaltó las palabras de Nuestra Señora, diciendo: “Nuestra Madre le dijo a Juan Diego: ‘Escucha, que nada te asuste y te aflija ni turbe tu corazón.
¿No estoy yo aquí que soy tu madre? ¿No estás bajo mi sombra? Nuestra Santísima Madre está aquí con nosotros, está aquí para interceder y cuidar por nosotros.
¿Escuchamos?”
Después de la Misa, los feligreses vestidos con coloridos trajes ofrecieron una actuación de danzas folclóricas, canciones y compartieron una gran comida de comidas tradicionales.
Asheville
En Asheville, la comunidad hispana de la Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción y todo el vicariato de Asheville, celebraron con gran alegría y fe el 10 de diciembre en el Centro Agrícola de WNC en Fletcher.
Cerca de 1,200 personas participaron en la procesión, Misa y celebración cultural que se convoca anualmente en un esfuerzo conjunto de la Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción y la oficina del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Asheville.
En Thomasville, la parroquia Nuestra Señora de los Caminos celebró la fiesta durante tres días con procesiones, misas, bailes folclóricos, mañanitas y mucha comida y compañerismo.
Una de las fiestas más grandes y queridas dedicadas a María, la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe recuerda su aparición el 12 de diciembre de 1531 a San Juan Diego en el cerro Tepayac en México.
A lo largo de los siglos, la fiesta se ha convertido en una de las celebraciones anuales más grandes de México, y la tradición se ha anclado aquí. La fiesta se celebra con Misas, cantos, bailes, música, procesiones y representaciones en vivo de las apariciones Marianas.
— César Hurtado. Fotos por César Hurtado, Troy Hull, Amber Mellon and provided
Students at Our Lady of Grace School celebrated with a live presentation of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s story told by the 8th grade.
Students at Our Lady of Grace School celebrated with a live presentation of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s story told by the 8th grade.
Students at Our Lady of Grace School celebrated with a live presentation of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s story told by the 8th grade.
Students at Our Lady of Grace School celebrated with a live presentation of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s story told by the 8th grade.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church High Point.
Celebrations begin at Our Lady of Lourdes in Monroe.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe morning celebration at Good Shepherd in King.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe morning celebration at Good Shepherd in King.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe morning celebration at Good Shepherd in King.
At Asheville Catholic School they celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe by by inviting the Aztec Dancers to perform. The performers include Latino community members as well as current and former ACS students.
At Asheville Catholic School they celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe by by inviting the Aztec Dancers to perform. The performers include Latino community members as well as current and former ACS students.
At Asheville Catholic School they celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe by by inviting the Aztec Dancers to perform. The performers include Latino community members as well as current and former ACS students.
Celebration at St. John Baptist de la Salle Church in North Wilkesboro included Mass, dances, dancing and parish fellowship.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe morning celebration at Good Shepherd in King.
Celebration at St. John Baptist de la Salle Church in North Wilkesboro included Mass, dances, dancing and parish fellowship.
Celebration at St. John Baptist de la Salle Church in North Wilkesboro included Mass, dances, dancing and parish fellowship.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Guadalupe in Charlotte celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Guadalupe in Charlotte celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Guadalupe in Charlotte celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Guadalupe in Charlotte celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Guadalupe in Charlotte celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Guadalupe in Charlotte celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Guadalupe in Charlotte celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Guadalupe in Charlotte celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Guadalupe in Charlotte celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Students at Our Lady of the Assumption School celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Students at Our Lady of the Assumption School celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Students at Our Lady of the Assumption School celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Students at Our Lady of the Assumption School celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Students at Our Lady of the Assumption School celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
St. Michael School in Gastonia students dive into classical education, crafting projects that honor Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Students at Our Lady of the Assumption School celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Students at Our Lady of the Assumption School celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Students at Our Lady of the Assumption School celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Guadaulpe celebrations in Asheville included a procession, followed by Mass, Mañanitas, dancing, and representation of the Guadalupan apparitions.
Our Lady of Guadaulpe celebrations in Asheville included a procession, followed by Mass, Mañanitas, dancing, and representation of the Guadalupan apparitions.
Students at Our Lady of the Assumption School celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Guadaulpe celebrations in Asheville included a procession, followed by Mass, Mañanitas, dancing, and representation of the Guadalupan apparitions.
Our Lady of Guadaulpe celebrations in Asheville included a procession, followed by Mass, Mañanitas, dancing, and representation of the Guadalupan apparitions.
Our Lady of Guadaulpe celebrations in Asheville included a procession, followed by Mass, Mañanitas, dancing, and representation of the Guadalupan apparitions.
Our Lady of Guadaulpe celebrations in Asheville included a procession, followed by Mass, Mañanitas, dancing, and representation of the Guadalupan apparitions.
Christ the King Parish in High Point celebrated in the parish hall with dancing, singing and food.
Christ the King Parish in High Point celebrated in the parish hall with dancing, singing and food.
Christ the King Parish in High Point celebrated in the parish hall with dancing, singing and food.
Christ the King Parish in High Point celebrated in the parish hall with dancing, singing and food.
Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem celebrated with mariachi music, traditional dances and Mañanitas.
Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem celebrated with mariachi music, traditional dances and Mañanitas.
Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem celebrated with mariachi music, traditional dances and Mañanitas.
Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem celebrated with mariachi music, traditional dances and Mañanitas.
Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem celebrated with mariachi music, traditional dances and Mañanitas.
Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro held a procession and Mass followed by mariachi music, Mexican hot chocolate and pastries in the courtyard.
Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro held a procession and Mass followed by mariachi music, Mexican hot chocolate and pastries in the courtyard.
Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro held a procession and Mass followed by mariachi music, Mexican hot chocolate and pastries in the courtyard.
Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro held a procession and Mass followed by mariachi music, Mexican hot chocolate and pastries in the courtyard.
Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro held a procession and Mass followed by mariachi music, Mexican hot chocolate and pastries in the courtyard.
Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro held a procession and Mass followed by mariachi music, Mexican hot chocolate and pastries in the courtyard.
Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Albemarle held Mass with celebration afterwards in the parish hall.
Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Albemarle held Mass with celebration afterwards in the parish hall.
Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Albemarle held Mass with celebration afterwards in the parish hall.
Holy Infant Church in Reidsville holds Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations.
Holy Infant Church in Reidsville holds Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations.
Holy Infant Church in Reidsville holds Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations.
Holy Infant Church in Reidsville holds Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations.
Holy Infant Church in Reidsville holds Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations.
Our Lady of the Angels in Marion holds a procession.
St Elizabeth in Boone featured mariachi music followed by 6 a.m. Mass.
St. Mary Church in Greensboro held Mañanitas and mariachi music followed by Masses and a representation of the Guadalupe apparitions.
St. Mary Church in Greensboro held Mañanitas and mariachi music followed by Masses and a representation of the Guadalupe apparitions.
St. Mary Church in Greensboro held Mañanitas and mariachi music followed by Masses and a representation of the Guadalupe apparitions.
St. Mary Church in Greensboro held Mañanitas and mariachi music followed by Masses and a representation of the Guadalupe apparitions.
St. Mary Church in Greensboro held Mañanitas and mariachi music followed by Masses and a representation of the Guadalupe apparitions.
St. Mary Church in Greensboro held Mañanitas and mariachi music followed by Masses and a representation of the Guadalupe apparitions.
St. Mary Church in Greensboro held Mañanitas and mariachi music followed by Masses and a representation of the Guadalupe apparitions.
St. Mary Church in Greensboro held Mañanitas and mariachi music followed by Masses and a representation of the Guadalupe apparitions.
St. Mary Church in Greensboro held Mañanitas and mariachi music followed by Masses and a representation of the Guadalupe apparitions.
St. Mary Church in Greensboro held Mañanitas and mariachi music followed by Masses and a representation of the Guadalupe apparitions.
St Phillip Apostle in Statesville celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe.
St. Aloysious Church in Hickory celebrates.
St. Mary Church in Greensboro held Mañanitas and mariachi music followed by Masses and a representation of the Guadalupe apparitions.
St. Mary Church in Greensboro held Mañanitas and mariachi music followed by Masses and a representation of the Guadalupe apparitions.
St. Aloysious Church in Hickory celebrates.
St. Therese Church in Mooresville celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe.
St. Aloysious Church in Hickory celebrates.
St. Therese Church in Mooresville celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe.
St. Therese Church in Mooresville celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe.
St. Therese Church in Mooresville celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Holy Redeemer Church in Andrews celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Holy Redeemer Church in Andrews celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Holy Redeemer Church in Andrews celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
