By Michele Flores
Every year on December 12, St. Helena Church sets up a tent in front of the altar of La Virgen de Guadalupe to pray the rosary and sing Las Mañanitas. At 4 a.m. on Friday morning, it is still dark. There are not many people in sight, the weather is cold and unpleasant, yet the tent is already full, with more people continuing to arrive. The altar is decorated with flowers and candles as always throughout the year.
It is an important day for most Catholics in Mexico and Latin America. It is the day of La Virgen de Guadalupe; she appeared to San Juan Diego in 1531. She was as a brown-skinned woman with indigenous features, which represents liberation from racism. She is Mexico’s patron saint and represents faith, motherhood, and protection.
The church staff are outside the tent welcoming and directing people towards the tent. They have a table set up with candles for purchase. The priest greets people, using a microphone to be sure people can hear him. The prayers are said both in English and Spanish. People continue to come in with more flowers and candles to set at the altar, they knee down and gesture the sign of the cross.
Being inside the tent, surrounded by a lot of other people doesn’t stop the cold. Attending means sacrificing sleep and enduring low temperatures for nearly two hours. While Mass usually takes place inside the church, the rosary is prayed outdoors. Afterward, the church staff announce they will be handing out atole and champurrado. Atole is traditional hot corn-based beverage from Mexico. It’s thick and creamy, piloncillo (unrefined sugar) for sweetener, spiced flavor of cinnamon and vanilla. Champurrado is similar, but made with chocolate.
The hot drink does keep us warm. It’s like having coffee in the morning but better. After handing out the drinks, staff announce that they will also be giving out tamales and pan dulce. People enjoy their drinks and food, waiting for the mariachi to arrive. Mariachis are a must when it comes to celebrating La Virgen de Guadalupe. The church is open for everyone even before the Mass but mainly everyone was under the tent, showing dedication and respect towards La Virgen de Guadalupe.
I took the opportunity to speak with the Pastor Jorge Ramirez, I asked how would you explain the meaning of La Virgen de Guadalupe to those who don’t know her?
He explains that La Virgen de Guadalupe is like a mother to all, who will protect us like most mothers would.
The mariachis arrived at 5:15 a.m., the crowd doubled in size by this time. The flowers had to be placed outside the altar since there were so many. The candle table glows with light. The mariachi began playing Las Mañanitas, as people record on their phones, the priest continues to welcome people inside the tent, no matter how crowded it became.
By 5:45 a.m., the mariachi stopped playing, and staff announce that Mass would begin at 6 a.m. inside the church. The crowd included people of all ages—from young children to teenagers wearing backpacks. Many carry bags, suggesting they will head straight to work or school afterward. Their presence highlights how important La Virgen de Guadalupe is in their daily lives.
Many people who attended this church are immigrants; they came to this country for a better life. At the church, people showed no fear. They arrived to pray for protection, to continue holding on to faith and to sing to La Virgen de Guadalupe.
Although the celebration isn’t the same as in Mexico, Mexicans still celebrate it here as lively as they can. Many set up altars at home, decorating the with candles and flowers. Those who are able to travel to Mexico City to celebrate Mass at the Basílica de Guadalupe in what is called “las peregrinaciones” journeys to express thanks for miracles and to ask for favors.
The day of La Virgen de Guadalupe brings diverse communities together all over the US. It is more than just attending church; it’s an everyday thing. La Virgen de Guadalupe is a symbol of hope and cultural pride. For those who believe in her, the sacrifice of sleep and standing out in cold weather is worth it.