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St. Patrick's Seminary and University recently celebrated the anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico to the native St. Juan Diego. This cultural and religious celebration was put on by the members of the Hispanic Community in hopes to express their culture and the important message that Our Lady of Guadalupe has for our community, our Church, and our world. 

The celebration began with Mañanitas. The community gathered outside the Main Chapel and entered while singing songs in honor of Mary. Each of the school’s major choirs presented a song to the Virgin Mother. After recitation of Morning Prayer, the community presented blessed roses at the foot of the image of Our Lady, a tradition that goes back to the time when she first left her image on the Tilma. Then the community gathered for a breakfast of Mexican sweet bread, tamales, and Mexican-style hot chocolate.

In the evening, the community gathered for Mass celebrated by alumnus Fr. Luis Lopez from the Diocese of Oakland with Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone in attendance. The Mass was celebrated with the seminarians, families, and friends of the school. 

After Mass, the celebration continued into the night with music by Mariachi Juvenil Tenochtitlán and Cultural Dances representing different regions of Mexico performed by a local group. Special guest, Fr. Ommar Solis from the Diocese of Monterey, alumnus and President Emeritus of the Hispanic Community, serenaded the community while accompanied by the mariachis. A feast was prepared by the Oblate Sisters of Jesus the Priest and the school chefs. Overall, it was a day enjoyed by all, filled with prayer, learning, and communion.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pray for us.