By Tami S. Scott, associate editor
Photo Credit: Tami S. Scott
“Listen and understand, my humblest son. There is nothing to frighten and distress you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and let nothing upset you. Is it not I, your Mother, who is here? Are you not under my protection? Are you not in my care?”
- Words of Our Lady to Juan Diego, in an apparition in 1531, on Tepeyac Hill, outside of Mexico City.
A colorful abundance of roses adorned the foot of the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the morning of Dec. 12. Many faithful gathered at St. Anthony of Padua in Syracuse to celebrate her feast day with a Mass followed by an outdoor procession with music around the neighborhood and parish.
Bishop Douglas J. Lucia was the principal celebrant and, though fluent in both French and Italian, graced the congregation by proclaiming prayer and Scripture in Spanish.
Father Brendan Foley, parochial vicar and Spanish Apostolate coordinator for St. Anthony’s, offered the homily in Spanish. He emphasized Mary’s desire to be seen as a mother to all, referencing the words she spoke to Juan Diego in 1531 on Tepeyac Hill outside of Mexico City. Juan Diego was a devout Catholic who converted to Catholicism less than 10 years before. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002 as the first Catholic saint indigenous to the Americas.
