Catholics around the world celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe on\u00a0Dec. 12\u00a0to commemorate the Virgin Mary\u2019s appearance in\u00a0Mexico\u00a0in 1531 to\u00a0St. Juan Diego.<\/p>\n
The celebration is a vibrant fusion of Catholic faith and Mexican culture, featuring mariachi, indigenous dancers (Matachines), candlelight processions, \u201cLas Ma\u00f1anitas<\/a>\u201d (morning songs), elaborate church services with flowers and papel picado, community feasts with traditional foods, and displays of devotion like home altars, uniting people as a symbol of faith, motherhood, and Mexican identity.<\/p>\n According to the diocese, Our Lady of Guadalupe holds significance in the Valley as she is the patron saint of\u00a0Mexico\u00a0and the\u00a0Americas.<\/p>\n The image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe that appeared imprinted on Juan Diego\u2019s tilma or cloak, not only depicts a woman with Indigenous features, but also symbolizes her unity to the people and establishing her as a significant symbol of cultural identity for Latinos within and beyond the Catholic faith.<\/p>\n In\u00a0Fresno,\u00a0Joseph Brennan, Bishop of the\u00a0Diocese of Fresno, celebrated Our Lady of\u00a0Guadalupe Friday,\u00a0Dec. 12, at St. John\u2019s Cathedral,\u00a02814 Mariposa St, with the Ma\u00f1anitas with mariachi at\u00a05 a.m.\u00a0and a\u00a05:30 a.m.\u00a0mass. A midnight mass in Spanish took place at\u00a012 a.m.\u00a0and rosary at\u00a04:30 a.m.\u00a0Multiple mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral later in the day.<\/p>\n