GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Despite snow piling up, hundreds of people braved the weather Wednesday night to participate in an annual event held by the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.
Each year, members of the Hispanic Catholic community in Grand Rapids gather for a procession honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron of Mexico. Catholics believe the Virgin Mary, called Our Lady, appeared to Saint Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531, according to the diocese.
The procession began at Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Hall Street and stretched nearly a mile south to the Shrine of St. Francis and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Brown Street, where the bishop celebrated mass with the faithful.
Our Lady of Guadalupe procession in Grand Rapids. (Dec. 11, 2024)
Our Lady of Guadalupe procession in Grand Rapids. (Dec. 11, 2024)
Our Lady of Guadalupe procession began at Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Hall Street in Grand Rapids. (Dec. 11, 2024)
Our Lady of Guadalupe procession in Grand Rapids. (Dec. 11, 2024)
Our Lady of Guadalupe procession in Grand Rapids. (Dec. 11, 2024)
A participant told News 8 it’s a big night for Hispanic culture.
“I think it’s a wonderful remembrance of our culture and part of our faith. Our Lady of Guadalupe holds a special meaning in a lot of the hearts of the Mexican people and in Latin America. And so to be able to do this, to celebrate our faith and our culture, is a wonderful remembrance of our homeland and how we can continue that in this country,” said Lizette Orozco, a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier.
The celebration also included dancers in authentic dress, live music, and pilgrims carrying statues and photos of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
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