For the Hispanic Catholic community in Lansing, Illinois, and surrounding areas, December 12 is a day to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe.Dozens of chairs were set up in Alberto’s Beauty Salon, and by 8:45am the crowd began to gather. The service began promptly at 9:00am, and soon there were 70–100 people filling the seats and standing along the edges of the room.Members of El Mariachi Imperial Azteca took their place in front of the altar to accompany the singing. This is the first year this particular mariachi band participated in Lansing’s celebración.A priest from Immaculate Conception Parish in Chicago led the mass.The celebration contained elements familiar to many church-goers, whether Catholic or Protestant, Spanish-speaking or English-speaking. Liturgical readings, congregational singing, special music, prayers, a sermon, references to Bible passages, and communion were all included.Prayers of blessingPassing of the peaceThe bread and wineFollowing the official ceremony, the mariachi band continued to play familiar songs while people sang and socialized.Mayor Eidam also accepted the hospitality of the Hispanic catholic community and attended the event.Mayor Eidam seemed to enjoy the mariachi music.Ernesto Acevedo (far right) is the owner of Three Roosters, the grocery store next door to Alberto’s. He donates food for the gathering. His son Ricardo (with back to camera) helped bring in trays of pan de dulce (Mexican sweet bread).Some people left after the ceremony was over, but many stayed to eat and socialize.Even though it was only 10:30am, the spread looked like lunch!A large pot of posole (front) was well suited to the 20-degree day. Behind, a pot of Mexican coffee, a hot sweet drink, almost served as dessert.Three Roosters is actually famous for their posole—just ask anyone who works in the nearby Public Works building! The soup is available for purchase in the little restaurant in back of the grocery store throughout the week.
To learn more about this annual Celebración de Nuestra Virgen de Guadalupe that attracts people to Lansing, read our December 1 story:
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.
