Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and Reception

A special Spanish celebration for Our Lady of Guadalupe took place in Maple Mount, Ky., in 2019. The Dec. 11 Mass occurred the evening before the saint’s Feast Day. Sister Sara Mara Gomez wanted to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe here in Kentucky. She retired to the Ursuline Motherhouse this year after serving almost 30 years in New Mexico as a pastoral minister, director of religious education, and religion teacher. She had help with planning from Sister Fran Wilhelm, who also ministered with Hispanics for nearly 30 years after founding Centro Latino in Stanley, Ky., (which moved to Owensboro, Ky., in 2000). Sister Fran retired to the Motherhouse in June 2018. Sister Sara Marie and Sister Fran sang Spanish hymns along with visiting Latino singers.

Also participating in the Mass were Sister Luisa Bickett, who carried up a Guadalupe statue and placed it on the altar. Sister Luisa was a teacher and principal in New Mexico in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Her ministry was in Chile from 1965-1983, where she served as a teacher and pastoral minister. Another participant with Hispanic ministry connections was Sister Ruth Gehres, who played the piano at the Mass. She ministered as an assistant and was the communications/website manager for Casa Ursulina in Chile from 2007-2013.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico. Her feast commemorates the appearance of Mary to Saint Juan Diego, a poor Indian, in Mexico in 1531.

After the Mass, a meal of Mexican food was served in the dining room to everyone who came to the Mass. A mariachi band provided music. Prior to the meal, Sister Mary Matthias Ward led everyone in prayer. From 2003-2009, she was director of the Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Gallup, N.M.

Here are photos from the evening:

 

Sister Luisa Bickett talks to Sister Sara Marie Gomez prior to the 4 p.m. Mass on Dec. 11. The two sisters helped plan the special Mass.
Sister Luisa Bickett smiles as she holds her statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which had been given to her as a gift.
This blanket featuring Our Lady of Guadalupe was set up at the Motherhouse Chapel entrance. It is owned by Sister Fran Wilhelm, who helped serve Hispanics in the Owensboro area for many years.
Sister Monica Seaton, right, carries in the processional cross. She was followed by Sister Luisa Bickett with a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Sister Sarah Marie Gomez joined the entrance procession, aided by Sister Alicia Coomes. Behind them is Congregational Leader Sister Amelia Stenger.
Sister Ruth Gehres plays the keyboard as the choir sings the offertory: “O Maria, Madre Mia” (O Mary my Mother).
Sister Mary McDermott read the first reading from Zechariah, which included, “Sing and rejoice, daughter Zion! Now I am coming to dwell in your midst.”
Father Ray Goetz gives the homily during Mass.
Sister Fran Wilhelm reads the “Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe,” which includes, “Mary, our Mother, look upon us with compassion, teach us to go always to Jesus.”
The congregation participates in the Mass.
Sister Alicia Coomes blesses a child in the line for the Eucharist.
The sisters from Vietnam who are staying at Mount Saint Joseph came forward to sing, “The Fiat of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” in Vietnamese.
A visitor greets Sister Fran Wilhelm after the Mass.
Two of the visitors greet Sister Fran Wilhelm, left, and Sister Sara Marie Gomez, right.
Several visitors wanted to take a group photo with the Ursuline Sisters (front row, Sister Fran Wilhelm, third from left, Sister Sara Marie Gomez, seated at right, and Sister Mary McDermott, standing at right. In the second row, Sister Elaine Burke is at left, and Sister Ruth Gehres is standing behind Sister Mary.)
Several visitors gather for a photo with, front row: Sister Fran Wilhelm, second from left, Sister Sara Marie Gomez, seated in center, and Sister Luisa Bickett, far right.
After Mass, everyone was invited to the Sisters’ dining room for New Mexico chili with toppings, Pozole (a hominy stew), and dessert. Sister Mary Matthias Ward, who used to minister in New Mexico, led the group in prayer. She mentioned all of the places where the Ursuline Sisters had served the Latino community. The places were listed on the sheets of paper hanging on the walls beside her.
These delicious galleta Mexican cookies were made from a recipe by Sister Sara Marie Gomez. They have a fruit filling.
The placemats in the dining room explained the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. There were also chips and salsa on each table.

Comments

  1. Sister Rebecca White

    This was truly a beautiful Mass and reception! I did not get to stay for the dancing, but I’m sure it was very celebratory!

    Thank you to all who had a hand in preparing this Liturgy and reception.

    love,
    Sr. Rebecca White

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