The Global Education and Peace Network would like to invite you to: “Las Mañanitas” for Our Lady of Guadalupe on Monday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 1827 N. Limestone Street. A short service will include a children’s procession and songs and dances to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Following the service, refreshments will be served.
The Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most important feast days in the Latin American Catholic church. It commemorates the appearance of Mary, the mother of Jesus, (thereafter called “Our Lady of Guadalupe”) to a young Mexican boy, Juan Diego, in Mexico and related miracles. Part of the celebration includes singing “Las Mañanitas”, a traditional Mexican birthday song, to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Other Latin -American December Catholic traditions events to which the public are invited include: A Spanish Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe on Sunday December 10 at 5:00 p.m. and the First Posadas on Sunday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. (Please note this event was originally scheduled for Saturday, December 16 and has been changed).
The Posadas involves re-enacting the journey of Joseph and Mary from inn to inn on the first Christmas. The Posada song is sung in a question and answer format. During the Christmas season in Latin American, Christians travel to each others’ houses during the holiday season, singing this song at each house. After the question and answer song, they are invited in for warm drinks and snacks. In Springfield, after the First Posadas at the church, St. Teresa’s parishioners continue this practice during the Advent season visiting other homes of congregational members.
This year’s Global Education and Peace Network theme is: “Cultural Celebrations: Spiritual Journeys,” inviting people out into the community to learn at cultural celebrations and events. The Global Education and Peace Network started after the City conducted study circles following the 9-11 attack on the World Trade Center in 2001. Their goal is to educate and build bridges across cultures. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Nancy Flinchbaugh (937) 324-7696.