Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Doral was a place to truly enjoy the meaning of the season – be it the Dec. 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Dec. 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, or Christmas celebrations on Dec. 24 and 25.
Every church ministry rejoiced in serving additional masses held during the time. In fact, part of the Music Ministry even held a concert “una serenata” on Dec. 11, from 10 p.m. to midnight, the eve of one of the happiest feast days of the year – and one that Father Israel Mago along with his fellow priests, deacons, and parishioners are honored to celebrate like few others.
Parishioners donated the funds to adorn the church with a spectacular array of flowers for the additional masses, which were all bilingual, for the Dec. 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe that attracted the faithful who were entertained at every mass with the music of its full choir.
This wonderful event also included a full mariachi band, along with children dressed in Mexican peasant attire for the reenactment of the delivery of roses in a tilma with the image of the Virgin somehow imprinted on the cloth – proof that the Virgin Mary’s appearance before a poor Mexican Juan Diego, telling him to build a temple on that site was real in 1531.
The tilma, a poor quality cactus-cloth, should have deteriorated within 20 years, but, in fact, shows no sign of decay 471 years later. Today, the tilma still defies all scientific explanations of its origin and apparently even reflects in Her eyes what was in front of Her.
Of course, the spirit of the Christmas season also served to boost efforts to collect non perishable food for those in families need, as well as toys for children. Our Lady of Guadalupe’s parishioners feel most fortunate and grateful to be blessed with numerous ministries from altar servers to clean up crews that volunteer their time and talent on a regular basis, as well as those ministries that reach out to the community and are always looking to give. The music ministry feels especially blessed to be able to serve a congregation that exudes love for others and compassion for all.
In other holiday news, civic and service club members donated their time and talent to help others. From ringing bells for the Salvation Army and serving meals to the homeless, to delivering toys to children who would otherwise have no gifts. Kudos to the Rotarians, Kiwanians, General Federation of Women’s Clubs, and so many other non profits that truly “knocked it out of the park” this year with their giving spirit.
As so many people talk about the commercialization of Christmas, these service clubs refute that notion. In a television interview, Cardinal Timothy Dolan took a positive position debunking the notion as well. For this writer, the takeaway was that the concept of gift giving is not a bad thing. Sharing, coming together with friends and family, connecting with others less fortunate or, maybe, estranged family members, sharing a smile and kindness… These are always things that should be embraced during the holidays – and every day.
As we begin a new year, may you all keep that holiday spirit in mind and have a Happy New Year!
