Our Lady of Guadalupe

On Saturday, October 24, Mustard Seed hosted a procession and ceremony in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron saint of the ministry, and has interceded to help and guide the mission of the ministry; especially in the building of the pool.

According to tradition, the image of Our Lady appeared miraculously on the front of a peasant’s cloak. The image still exists and is displayed in the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City. She is likely the most popular religious and cultural image of Mexico. She is said to have appeared to Saint Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City between December 9 and 12 of 1531.

In the present day, Mexican and Mexican-American families share a statue of Our Lady, and it is sent from one home to another. It remains at any given home for a week. Our Lady is now housed at Mustard Seed for the week from October 24 to November 1.  Saturday, October 24 was a day of rain and clouds but the heavens guided Our Lady and her many followers. A beautiful ceremony welcomed her and the rosary was recited in her honor. Father Boland was present to assist in the ceremony  and bless all who attended. Children gathered in their traditional  clothing to welcome Our Lady and celebrate her beauty and presence.  A feast was then served to commemorate the special moment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                          

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe is life-size and she will be on display in the great room at the Mustard Seed house until November 1, 2009. She is enclosed in a glass case containing the Mexican and American flag and  is adorned with rosaries and honored with live flowers.