Statues form a procession outside the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. (Adobe Stock/by A)

La Salle – The feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron saint of the Americas, takes place Thursday, Dec. 12. The feast is celebrated across the Diocese of Peoria, nowhere more enthusiastically than at St. Hyacinth Parish in La Salle, and St. Francis Parish in Ottawa.

The St. Hyacinth celebration starts at 11 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 with a recitation of the rosary, followed by traditional dancing and music until 3 a.m.

After taking a break for an early – very early – meal, choir music leads into morning prayer. A traditional procession with flowers at blooms at 5 a.m.

OTTAWA PORTRAYS ORTEGA STORY

Celebrations start at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Ottawa starting at 6:30 a.m. Parish children will assume the roles of the characters in the story of St. Juan Diego.

Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to St. Juan Diego on his way to Mass one day in 1531, and gifted him with roses in winter to show to the skeptical.

After the celebration of Mass at St. Francis Church, the celebration will continue with a party at St. Francis School.

CLOSE TO JESUS THROUGH OUR LADY

Bishop Louis Tylka observed, “As we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, we are blessed to experience the closeness of Jesus Christ through Our Lady. She invites us to see that we are all brothers and sisters in God’s household.”

Father Thomas Otto, pastor of St. Hyacinth and St. Patrick in La Salle, said, “For many people, it’s a return to hope, it’s a renewed awareness that they have a mother who cares for them, and is praying for them.”

He added, “It’s also a major cultural celebration . . . whether they were born in Mexico or born in this country, there’s something in their blood that connects them to Our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe.”