St. Vincent de Paul throws fiesta to celebrate Virgin of Guadalupe's feast day

The feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe on Dec. 12 is one of the most important in the Mexican calendar, and is celebrated throughout Mexico and by Mexicans the world over.

On Sunday at St. Vincent de Paul in Cape Girardeau, people of Mexican heritage joined their fellow Catholics to celebrate the feast day with a Spanish language Mass and a dinner afterward.

This feast day's origins date to Dec. 12, 1531. It was on this day, according to tradition, that an image of the Virgin Mary miraculously appeared on the cloak of Juan Diego. Diego was a Mexican peasant who was walking to Mexico City from his home village when he saw a vision of a young woman, surrounded by light. This vision asked that a church be built on the site, located on the hill of Tepeyac. Diego knew from her words that this was the Virgin Mary.

When Diego gave his account to the bishop, he was asked to return and ask the lady for a miraculous sign. The Virgin instructed Diego to pick some flowers from the top of the hill, even though it was winter. The flowers, called Castilian roses, were from the bishop's home and not native to Tepeyac.

Diego returned to the bishop, presenting him with the flowers. When he did, the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe miraculously appeared on his cloak.

Now, nearly 500 years later, the Virgin of Guadalupe and her feast day is an icon for the Mexican nation as well as for Catholics the world over.

"Very early in the morning before sunrise, our whole family goes to feast day mananitas, so we can sing to the Lady Guadalupe in the churches," said Delia Trejo of Cape Girardeau.

Trejo explained some of the other rituals that go along with the feast day.

"There is a tradition for the very reverent people of walking to the church, sometimes for many miles, to celebrate the feast day," Trejo said. "Some of the pilgrims in Mexico even walk to the church on their knees, to show their reverence for the Virgin.

"Many people believe in miracles, and will bring their requests to the church, and their pilgrimage is their sacrifice to show their love for the Virgin Mother and the church in their hopes that their miracles would be granted."

Cape Girardeau's celebration of the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe was heralded by a dinner and party in the St. Vincent's school following the regular 3 p.m. Spanish language Mass held every Sunday in St. Vincent de Paul.

There was also fun to be had for the children at the event with a pinata full of candy. Every child took a swing at it before it was finally broken open.

The Rev. David Hulshof said he was pleased with the turnout at the celebration.

"We have food provided by nearly every Mexican restaurant in the area, and we're fortunate to have some wonderful music from the Missionary Chorus," he said. The chorus performed during Mass as well as entertaining guests following dinner.

Spanish language Mass is held at 3 p.m. every Sunday at St. Vincent de Paul.