I am the assistant manager of the San Diego Catholic Diocese’s Our Lady of Guadalupe procession, celebrated this year on December 1st. My job is to fulfill the city’s requirements, such as ensuring that five portable toilets were installed, that 20 cardboard and recycling bins were lined along the route, and that 13 manholes were covered with plastic to prevent them from be clogged. with garbage.
Almost 1,000 women, men and children took part joyfully in the procession, wich started at 11 am and went to St Augustine’s High School, about 2.4 km away. They walked in parish groups with flags, rode in lorries beautifully decorated with roses, danced in customary costumes, sang traditional songs and prayed the rosary.
I am a “Guadalupana”, a member of the Guadalupan Federation of my parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in national City,where I grew up. Our group will celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12th, starting with a mariachi playing “Las Mañanitas” at 5 am, followed by fellowship in the living room with Menudo, hot chocolate, and pan dulce.
our group collects money throughout the year to organize this party and to contribute to the procession. We are part of the Confederation of Guadalupana, which brings together parish groups dedicated to “the Virgin” from all over the region and co-sponsors the annual procession.
Saint Mary’s Guadalupanas are a beatiful community of older women. I appreciate them. We meet every Saturday to pray the rosary. My mother, Juanita González, was one of them. In fact, she was one of the participants in the annual procession.
We are an immigrant family.My father was a farm worker,part of the Bracero program,which brought Mexican men to work in the fields from the 1940s to the 1960s. He crossed the border and back, picking apples in Washington, tomatoes in central California and cotton and other crops in arizona.
On his last trip across the border, my mother was with him. I was very small. We settled in San Diego, first in the Southcrest neighborhood, then in Logan Heights, and finally in National City.
My mother became a member of St Mary’s Church. Some friends told him about the procession in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe and he decided to participate. Later, a group was formed in the parish with devotion to Our Lady and she decided to join it, working diligently to support it.
Years later, my mom started to get sick. but his devotion was very strong and he still wanted to contribute, even though he was very vulnerable.
She died in 2012, while I was in Germany, where I lived with my husband and children. He was in the Navy and we lived overseas for many years.
When I returned to live in this area, I went to St. Mary’s and was part of the Confederation of Guadalupana.it was a way of honoring my mother.
I remember he always told me: “Our Lady is there to guide us to our Lord. She makes it easy. Talk to yourself when you can’t. She knows what to say to her Son because she knows you. Our Lord and Mary will never leave you alone.”
On that Sunday of the procession, as soon as the last group left, I went to work with the other people on the cleaning team. The portable toilets had to be taken care of, the streets swept and a lot of rubbish removed.
Why do I do it?
We are the hands and feet of our Lord. And if I have to clean bathrooms and pick up trash,I’ll do it.I will also do whatever it takes to celebrate his mother,Our lady of Guadalupe,just as my mother did so lovingly for so many years.
Buclatin works in sales and lives in Chula Vista.
Original Story
Comment: My mother believed in the Virgin de Guadalupe. She also inspired my faith.
Originally published: December 13, 2024 at 7:04 AM PST
How do cultural events like the Our Lady of Guadalupe procession promote community engagement and cohesion?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert in Cultural Events
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome too our special series focused on community celebrations! Joining us today is an expert in cultural events and community engagement, dr. Clara martinez. Clara, it’s fantastic to have you here.you recently participated in the San Diego catholic Diocese’s Our Lady of Guadalupe procession. Can you share a bit about the significance of this event?
Dr. Clara Martinez: Thank you for having me! The Our Lady of guadalupe procession is a stunning testament to cultural and religious identity for many in our community. It brings together people from various backgrounds to celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which on December 12th holds special meaning for many Catholics, notably those of Mexican descent. It symbolizes faith, unity, and a sense of belonging.
Editor: That’s very insightful! I understand that this year’s procession was quite an affair, with almost 1,000 participants. What kinds of activities took place during the procession?
Dr. Martinez: Indeed, it was a wonderful turnout! Participants joined in joyful processions starting around 11 am, making their way to St. augustine’s High School, about 2.4 km away. People walked in parish groups, proudly carried flags, and many were on beautifully decorated lorries adorned with roses.Customary dancing, singing, and praying the rosary were also integral to the event.It’s a lively and colorful display of culture and faith.
Editor: It sounds like a vibrant event! As the assistant manager of this year’s procession,what kind of preparations were necessary to ensure everything went smoothly?
Dr. Martinez: Planning is key! My responsibilities included working closely with city officials to fulfill all necessary requirements—everything from installing five portable toilets, setting up 20 recycling bins along the route, to ensuring that 13 manholes were covered to prevent blockages. It takes meticulous planning to host an event of this scale and significance.
Editor: clearly, there’s more to organizing an event like this than meets the eye! How does participation in such events contribute to community cohesion, in your opinion?
Dr. Martinez: Participating in cultural events fosters a strong sense of community.When people come together to celebrate, share traditions, and honor their beliefs, it helps to build connections among diverse groups. It also encourages intergenerational bonding, as families participate across several age groups. For many,it is a time to reflect on their heritage and instill a sense of pride in younger generations.
Editor: That’s beautifully said. And speaking of pride, I understand you are a “Guadalupana” as a member of the Guadalupan Federation. What does being part of this group mean to you personally?
Dr. Martinez: Being a Guadalupana embodies not just faith, but also a deep connection to my community and heritage.It’s about participating in a rich tradition that has been passed down through generations. We prepare for the Feast Day with much anticipation, and it’s a reminder of the strength and resilience of our cultural identity. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the joy it brings to others as well.
Editor: Thank you, Clara, for your insightful thoughts and for sharing your experiences. The tradition of the Our Lady of Guadalupe procession truly appears to be a beautiful blend of faith,culture,and community spirit.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for highlighting this important event! It’s essential to keep these traditions alive and share them with others.
Editor: Indeed! We look forward to seeing how the celebrations continue to evolve in the future. Thank you again for your time, Clara.
