The stirring image of red roses, set up in front of an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, filled the chapel at the Viatorian Province Center with hope and joy on her feast day, just as the flowers did more than 450 years ago when the Mexican peasant, Juan Diego, brought them to the bishop as a sign of the Blessed Virgin’s appearance.
Shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Viator Parish in Chicago
“Today, we celebrate with the church around the world, but especially here in the Americas, where Our Lady of Guadalupe is our patroness,” said Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV.
Seated in the first row were members of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Guadalupe, who have partnered with the Viatorians for more than 60 years. Consequently, their feast day is a day to reflect on their joint ministries.
Bishop Christopher Glancy with Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Guadalupe serving in Arlington Heights.
At Mass, Bishop Glancy reflected on the timing of the day’s gospel, about the visitation of Mary with Elizabeth, and how it is seen clearly in the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
“Mary continues her ministry of visiting the faithful throughout the world,” he said. “Her message is one of hope — encouraging the people of God to follow the words of Christ.”
Br. John Eustice offers a reflection, with Fr. Charles Bolser in the background
At nearly the same time, Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, celebrated Mass in Spanish and led a nine-day novena at St. Viator Parish in Chicago, where parishioners lovingly placed bouquets of roses in front of Mary’s altar.
On the eve of the feast day, Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV, celebrated Mass for the Spanish IV students at Saint Viator High School, with Br. John Eustice, CSV, sharing a reflection on El Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.
While the celebrations were somewhat smaller than in years past, they were even more powerful. The comforting words of the Blessed Virgin to Juan Diego — some 489 years ago — continue to offer hope to the faithful, especially now during the deadly pandemic. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.