Parishioners from St. Margaret Mary Church (Hammond, Ind.) reenact the story of the Lady of Guadalupe’s 1531 appearance to Juan Diego
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (December 11, 2022) – It is traditional for All Souls Catholic Parish to hold a celebration and Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Ann Church each December. This year’s celebration — held Sunday, December 11, at 4 p.m. — was even “more beautiful,” said planning committee member Maria de Jesus Casillas, because it featured a dramatic reenactment of the namesake event, in addition to the processions, dances, costumes, and other vibrant traditions that make up each year’s service.
Seven parishioners from St. Margaret Mary Church in Hammond, Indiana, put together the play, complete with costumes and lighting. They are part of a larger drama team that does a variety of reenactments for special services. December is a busy season for the group.
Their performance took the place of the traditional homily at the Lady of Guadalupe service, following the procession of children, traditional dances, a greeting by Fr. Gary Graf (guest priest from St. Kieran Parish), Liturgies of the Word in Spanish and English, and Gospel readings.
St. Ann Catholic Church is located at 3010 Ridge Road in Lansing, Illinois. The parish that meets there is now known as All Souls Catholic Parish.
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.