Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12th, Celebrated Around the Country as Day of Solidarity with Immigrants

WASHINGTON— On Tuesday, December 12, the Catholic Churchwill celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americasand the Unborn. Celebrations in dioceses across the nation will be heldthroughout the month of December to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe. These eventsseek to honor the accomplishments, hopes, fears, and needs of all families whohave come to the U.S. seeking a better life.

"As we enter the Advent season and Christmasapproaches, we are reminded of the unique role and importance of Our Lady ofGuadalupe, a unifier and peacebuilder for communities. We honor her role asprotectress of families, including those families separated and far fromhome," stated Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of Austin, Texas, and Chairmanof the USCCB Committee on Migration.

Over 55 prayer services, Masses, processions and otherevents will be held in dioceses across the country as the Catholic Churchcontinues to accompany migrants and refugees seeking opportunity to provide fortheir families. On December 12, 2017, a Mass honoring our Lady of Guadalupe will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Mario Dorsonville, AuxiliaryBishop of the Archdiocese of Washington, at St. Peter's Church in Washington,DC at 12:10 PM. All are welcome to attend.

For more information, please visit the Justice forImmigrants (JFI) website at https://justiceforimmigrants.org/lady-guadalupe-resource-page/ which has background material and scriptural information on Our Lady ofGuadalupe in English and Spanish, a nationwide map of events, and community celebration ideas.

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Keywords: U.S. Conference of CatholicBishops, USCCB, Day of Prayer, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Auxiliary BishopMario Dorsonville, Committee on Migration, unborn, pro-life, migrant and refugee services, Advent, mercy,unity, solidarity.    

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Media Contact:
Judy Keane
202-541-3200