News Release #360

Hispanic community in the Catholic Diocese of New Ulm to observe special events during Advent season

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe:
With special devotion on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Mexican and Mexican American communities celebrate a series of apparitions of the Blessed Mother to St. Juan Diego, a native Mexican. Celebrations of the Feast will be held at several parishes throughout the New Ulm diocese:
Renville - Church of the Holy Redeemer, December 6 beginning with a 7:00 p.m. Mass, followed by a potluck and a presentation of Matachines (dancers dressed in traditional costume in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe).

Litchfield – Church of St. Philip, December 7 beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the presentation of the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe by the religious education children and Mass followed by a presentation of Matachines.

Sleepy Eye - Church of St. Mary, December 11 beginning with a 6:00 p.m. Mass followed by a potluck.

Glencoe - Church of St. Pius X, December 12 beginning with a 6:00 p.m. Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. John C. Nienstedt, bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm, followed by a potluck and presentation of Matachines.

Marshall - Church of the Holy Redeemer, December 12 beginning with a 7:00 p.m. Mass followed by a reception.

Willmar - Church of St. Mary, December 14 beginning with a noon Mass followed by a potluck and Folk Dance presentation by a group from St. Paul.

Posadas:
The celebration of Posadas is a commemoration of Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem and recalls their search for shelter or “posadas” which take the form of a novena. The community gathers for nine days of prayer and celebration. People process from home to home in a neighborhood looking for welcome and an open door. This year the church communities of Church of St. Mary, Willmar; Church of St. Piux X, Glencoe; Church of St. Mary, Sleepy Eye; Church of the Holy Redeemer, Renville; and Church of St. Philip, Litchfield will celebrate Posadas. For host sites and times, please contact individual parish offices.

The public is welcome to join in these celebrations.

Fr. Anthony Stubeda, director of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of New Ulm stated, “These celebrations can serve as bridges between our communities. They can be ways for us to celebrate our common faith expressed in a myriad of wonderful ways.”

For photo opportunities, please contact individual parishes:
Church of St. Pius X, Glencoe (320) 864-5162
Church of St. Philip, Litchfield (320) 693-3313
Church of the Holy Redeemer, Renville (320) 329-3884
Church of St. Mary, Sleepy Eye (Please call diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry (507) 359-2966.)
Church of St. Mary, Willmar (320) 235-0118

For further information about the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry contact the diocesan Office of Communications, (507) 359-2966.