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The Feast of La Virgen de Guadalupe is celebrated on Decemeber 12 throughout Mexico and increasingly in the Episcopal Church.
According to tradition, an indigenous man named Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin saw la Virgen on two separate occasions, on December 9 and December 12, 1531. In his vision, she told Juan Diego to ask the archbishop to build a church on the hill of Tepeyac, located in today’s Mexico City. Unconvinced by an uneducated, indigenous person, the bishop asked for proof of La Virgen’s appearance. When Juan Diego returned to Tepeyac, he found roses growing. He gathered the roses in his tilma (cloak) and took them to show to the bishop. Roses spilled out when he unfolded the tilma, and it revealed an image of La Virgen, a dark- skinned indigenous woman, head bowed in prayer. The bishop, convinced by the miracle, built a church.
The image of La Virgen de Guadelupe permeates Latino cultures. She serves as a rallying point for people’s hopes of liberation and justice revealed in Jesus Christ. The popularity of the feast continues to grow and is attached to many cultural observances. On the day of the feast, people process through towns and cities, offering their songs of love and joy. The procession is followed by a celebration of the Holy Eucharist that may feature dancers, drummers, banners, and mariachis.
December 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe
PresiderA great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun,
PeopleWith the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
PresiderLet us pray.
Be present with us, God our Deliverer, as you were present with La Virgen de Guadalupe (the Virgin of Guadelupe) who called Juan Diego her beloved son. May her example of tender care for the poor and oppressed guide us in the way of justice and mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DeaconLet us go forth in peace.
PeopleIn the Name of Christ. Amen.
During the procession, the people may carry flowers, and appropriate hymns, psalms, or anthems are sung, such as the hymn “La Guadalupana.”
Upon arrival in the sanctuary, the Eucharist begins with the Collect of the Day.
The people standing, the Presider says
PresiderThe Lord be with you.
PeopleAnd also with you
PresiderLet us pray.
The Collect of the Day
O God of love, you blessed your people at El Tepeyac with the presence of La Virgen de Guadelupe: grant that her example of love to the poor and forsaken may stir our faith to recognize all people as members of one family. Teach us to follow in the way you have prepared for us, that we may honor one another in word and action, sharing with her your commonwealth of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
The Eucharist continues in the usual manner, using the following Psalm and Lessons
The First Reading
Zechariah 2:10-13
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The Word of the Lord.
PeopleThanks be to God.
A Reading from The Nican Mopohua.
Juan Diego returned and right at the top of the mountain he saw the Lady from heaven, at the spot where he saw her the first time. Seeing her, he fell down before her and said, “Lady, the smallest of my daughters, my Child, I went where you sent me to fulfill your mandate; though with difficulty, to the seat of the bishop; I saw him and exposed your message; he received me graciously and listened attentively; but I understood by his response that he believes that it is I who makes the request of building your temple, and that perhaps is not your command. Istrongly beg, Lady, my Child that you send instead of me someone who is known, respected and esteemed. If we entrust your message to someone like that he is sure to be believed. The Bishop does not believe me because I am a lesser man, I'm small, I'm a no one, and you, my Child, the least of my daughters, Lady, you send me to a place where I do not belong. Forgive me if I cause you great sorrow.” Our Lady replied: “Listen, my son, I understand but need you to know thatthat I have many servants and messengers whom I can send to do my bidding yet I choose you. You are the one that I strictly command, to go again tomorrow to see the Bishop. Tell him once more who sends you and that it is my will for a temple to be built in my honor. Tell him, that the ever-Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God, is the one that sends you.” Juan Diego replied: “My Lady, My Child, I will do what you ask. I'll do your will; but perhaps I will not be heard with pleasure. I know that it will be difficult for them to believe me.”
Here ends the Reading.
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Domine, non estBCP p. 7851O Lord, I am not proud; *I have no haughty looks.
2I do not occupy myself with great matters, *or with things that are too hard for me.
3But I still my soul and make it quiet, like a child upon its mother’s breast; *my soul is quieted within me.
4O Israel, wait upon the Lord, *from this time forth for evermore.
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Dilexi, quoniamBCP p. 7591I love the Lord, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.
2The cords of death entangled me; the grip of the grave took hold of me; *I came to grief and sorrow.
3Then I called upon the Name of the Lord: *“O Lord, I pray you, save my life.”
4Gracious is the Lord and righteous; *our God is full of compassion.
5The Lord watches over the innocent; *I was brought very low, and he helped me.
6Turn again to your rest, O my soul. *for the Lord has treated you well.
7For you have rescued my life from death, *my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling.
8I will walk in the presence of the Lord *in the land of the living.
9I believed, even when I said, “I have been brought very low.” *In my distress I said, “No one can be trusted.”
10How shall I repay the Lord *for all the good things he has done for me?
11I will lift up the cup of salvation *and call upon the Name of the Lord.
12I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *in the presence of all his people.
13Precious in the sight of the Lord *is the death of his servants.
14O Lord, I am your servant; *I am your servant and the child of your handmaid; you have freed me from my bonds.
15I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *and call upon the Name of the Lord.
16I will fulfill my vows to the Lord *in the presence of all his people,
17In the courts of the Lord’s house, *in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah!
The Second Reading
Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a
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The Word of the Lord.
PeopleThanks be to God.
The Gospel
Luke 6:20-23
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The Gospel of the Lord.
PeoplePraise to you, Lord Christ.
A Homily
The Prayers of the People
As we honor La Virgen de Guadelupe, may we strive for unity among all people;
We pray to you, God of mercy.
Hear our prayer.
May the vision of Juan Diego inspire our community to stand against prejudice, discrimination, hatred, and violence;
We pray to you, God of mercy.
Hear our prayer.
May our care for youth and children, the elderly and sick, the weak, helpless and poor (especially ______), reflect the love of La Virgen, revealed at Tepeyac;
We pray to you, God of mercy.
Hear our prayer.
May the vision of La Virgen strengthen us to stand with all immigrants and refugees in their struggle in every nation and people, (especially the people of ______);
We pray to you, God of mercy.
Hear our prayer.
May those who have died (especially ) rest in your peace, and those who mourn (especially ) find comfort in fellowship with La Virgen de Guadelupe and all the saints;
We pray to you, God of mercy.
Hear our prayer.
Intercessions may be offered by the people.
The Presider adds this concluding Collect.
O God of power and mercy, who gives us roses in a season of darkness; fill us with your unexpected truth and vision of peace among all people. By the example of La Virgen de Guadelupe, may we seek the justice which unites all people everywhere; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace
The Presider says to the people
The peace of Christ be always with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.
At the Eucharist
The liturgy continues with the Offertory.
Proper Preface
Because in revealing La Virgen de Guadelupe at El Tepeyac, you have shown us your way of justice and peace, lifted up the small and lowly, and assured us of your great love for the poor and weak.
In place of the usual postcommunion prayer, the following is said
Presider and People
We give you thanks, O God, for gathering your children together in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. We rejoice that you have remembered us; for we were scattered and have now been drawn together from the four corners of the earth. May we who celebrate La Virgen de Guadelupe ever strive for peace, and serve you as witnesses of Jesus Christ, until the Lord dawns in glory. Amen.
Following the postcommunion prayer, the Congregation may place flowers at the image of La Virgen de Guadalupe. Appropriate hymns, anthems, instrumental music, or songs such as “Buenos Días Paloma Blanca” may accompany this action.
The Bishop, when present, or the Priest, may bless the people.
The Deacon, or the Presider, dismisses the people.
Songs, hymns, and readings traditionally used on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe include the following.
Songs and Hymns:
La Guadalupana Buenos Días Paloma Blanca Mi Virgen Ranchera O Virgen la mas Hermosa