Our Lady of Guadalupe Procession and Mass to draw thousands of Catholics to downtown Houston on Dec. 3
December 3, 2017
The annual Archdiocesan Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe is set for Sunday, Dec. 3.
On that day, the streets of downtown Houston will be filled with the colorful display of costumes, music and dancing of centuries-old Mexican tradition. More than 1,500 Danzantes and Matachines (indigenous folk dancers), all wearing elaborate headpieces and traditional Aztec-style dress, will process from 1700 San Jacinto St. to the George R. Brown (GRB) Convention Center.
The event starts at 11 a.m. with a blessing of the procession and will conclude with Mass to be celebrated at 5 p.m. in the second floor Assembly Room of the GRB.
“It is a special day where we join together to show our admiration and respect and to present our offerings for the countless blessings we have received all year,” said Joe Castro, interim director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry for the Archdiocese. “It is an opportunity to join together and celebrate with our bishop this day that is so meaningful for our Church.”
With many in Houston still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, the symbol of Our Lady resonates throughout the community.
“This celebration joins us in that maternal hope of Our Lady of Guadalupe... It is she who says ‘Am I not here, who is your mother?’” Castro said. “This day is a day of miracles where we seek that divine protection.”
This year, organizers have invited special musical group Jesed from Monterrey, México, to serenade the Blessed Mother.
The annual event, sponsored by the Archdiocesan Guadalupana Association, commemorates the official Church feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12.