THE FEAST DAY OF Our Lady of Guadalupe takes place Thursday, Dec. 12. The feast is celebrated across the Diocese of Orange, but nowhere more enthusiastically than at St. Juliana Falconieri Catholic School in Fullerton.
STUDENTS GET READY TO PRESENT FLOWERS IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE AT ST. JULIANA FALCONIERI SCHOOL IN FULLERTON. PHOTO BY STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
“We are blessed to experience the closeness of Jesus Christ through Our Lady,” said Señora Coulson, Spanish teacher and one of the event organizers.
Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to St. Juan Diego on his way to Mass one day in 1531. She gifted him with roses in winter and his beloved image imprinted on his tilma. Under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mary is the patroness of the Diocese of Orange, the Americas, unborn children and the New Evangelization. The celebration began with Mexican songs (“Las Mañanitas,” “La Guadalupana”) and many more) by Mariachi Juvenil Herencia Michoacana.
The morning continued with praise and worship and the Hail Mary in Spanish by the whole school. After the procession and special petitions, the celebration concluded with pan dulce and hot chocolate for students and parents.
Mrs. Cassie Rodriguez, seventh grade homeroom teacher and middle school religion teacher, was also one of the event organizers.
She shared the words of Our Lady: “I… give all my love, compassion, help and protection, because I am your merciful mother, to you and all the rest who love me, invoke and confide in me.”
One parent said, “I am overwhelmed by the celebration. I love how the children proudly sing and praise Our Lady of Guadalupe in Spanish.”
Señora Coulson added, “This feast is also a major cultural celebration. Whether they were born in Mexico or born in this country, there is something that connects us all to Our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe.”
Dr. Gonzales, the school principal, thanked everyone in attendance. He also expressed gratitude to the generous families who helped make the event possible, the beautiful roses brought by the students, the mariachis, the delicious pan dulce and hot chocolate.