WILDWOOD – Urging all to bring their intercessions – worries, hopes and dreams – to “our mother and protector,” Bishop Dennis Sullivan celebrated Mass on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe the evening of Dec. 12 in Notre Dame de la Mer Parish’s Saint Ann Church.
Families from Wildwood and nearby Saint John Neumann Parish, North Cape May, started the celebration earlier in the day with Rosary prayers and breakfast. Around 4 p.m., hundreds from the area and beyond came together for a mile-long procession that was full of traditional music, floats and statues of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The faith-filled procession was welcomed by Bishop Sullivan at the church before the 6 p.m. liturgy. After Mass, the celebration continued throughout the night with more dancing, music and a cultural meal at Saint Raymond’s Hall, Villas.
Bright cultural costumes, flowery bouquets, and joyful singing and dancing, backed by bands and mariachis, were present in parishes across the Diocese’s six counties – festivities that made evident the love, devotion and trust to the Patroness of the Americas.
Contributing to the festive atmosphere in Wildwood was 17 year-old Chris Lopez, bass guitarist in the seven-piece, family-and-friends band “The New Sensation of the Coastal Land.”
“We’ve been practicing our songs for a month,” he said. “[Today] is a big celebration for the Church and Mary, and I’m honored to be able to use my talents and play here for the Virgin.”
Enjoying the music was Noga Suarez and her four-year-old son, Joshua. As a young girl growing up in Mexico, the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe and her appearance and promises to Saint Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill in the 16th century captivated Suarez, and she looks forward to the Dec. 12 feast every year.
When she immigrated to the United States 18 years ago, Suarez desired to find others who shared her devotion. She said she is appreciative of the friends she has made in Wildwood. As well, she’s excited to continue the traditions with Joshua, who was dressed like Juan Diego for the occasion.
“He’ll grow up with these good memories,” she said.
Sister Ann Lafferty, IHM, Spanish Apostolate associate at Notre Dame de la Mer Parish, said Our Lady of Guadalupe is at the heart of the Hispanic communities in Wildwood, North Cape May and the Villas. She noted that everyone involved with the day had worked hard over the last three months to make the celebration worthy of the Blessed Mother.
Sister Marie Horstmann, IHM, praised the local Hispanic community’s spirit of generosity. An English as a Second Language teacher to Spanish-speaking adults from the parish communities of Saint John Neumann and Notre Dame de la Mer, she was not surprised to see such unified, joyful spirits of all ages spend the entire day in praise and thanksgiving.
“They have a great devotion to the Blessed Mother,” she said, as shouts of “Viva la Virgen” rang out. “They love the Church.”
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