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LEWISTON — Members of Maine’s Latino community traveled from cities and towns around the state to join in a celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe held Dec. 11 at Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul.
“It is something we are trying to do to honor the Blessed Mother,” said Rosario Starratt, an outreach coordinator for the Diocese of Portland’s Office of Hispanic Ministry. “The Latino people, we have a lot of faith, and we love the Virgin Mary very much.”
The feast day, which is Dec. 12, commemorates Mary’s four appearances in 1531 to Juan Diego, who had converted to Christianity. The apparitions occurred on Tepeyac Hill, which is near modern-day Mexico City. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of Mexico, as well as the Americas.
“Especially for Mexicans, Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most revered figures in the Catholic Church,” said José Pérez Lopéz, also a Hispanic Ministry outreach coordinator. “She brings hope, happiness, faith, togetherness, and commitment to Hispanics.”
The celebration at the basilica began with the praying of the Rosary, followed by a Mass celebrated by the Rev. Michael Sevigny, director of the diocese’s Office of Hispanic Ministry.
Sevigny told those gathered that just as Mary asked that a church be built in her honor, they must build churches in their hearts.
“Our Lady is the one who can transform us and our society because she is filled with grace,” he said. “It is the season of Our Lady who is filled with grace, and that is the gift that she so desires to pour upon us.”
The Mass concluded with a procession to the downstairs hall where people enjoyed Latino food, music, dancing, and a dramatization of the events surrounding the appearances to St. Juan Diego. A reproduction of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was also raffled.
Sevigny said he hopes to make the celebration an annual event to bring together the Hispanic community, which is spread throughout the state.
Sevigny said he also hopes people of all cultures embrace the feast day and join in the celebration, which many did this year.
