Dear Partners in Mission:

The celebration of the Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Dec. 12) is an important festival in the life of many of our Spanish speaking communities. The day commemorates the visions Juan Diego, an indigenous American convert to Christianity, reported to have had of the Virgin Mary in 1531. In the centuries that have followed Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe) has become an extremely important image and symbol in Mexico in particular.

In NT-NL, congregations commemorate this day in many ways. San Gabriel in Alvarado has a large cabalgata (parade) through the neighborhoods around the church with people on horseback, dancing, and singing. Other congregations have worship services remembering the importance of Mary in the life of the church.

This year we are especially honored that Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be joining us for the Dec 10/11 weekend. On December 10th a worship service will be held at Santa Maria de Guadalupe, Irving (2601 S MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75060) at 5:30pm. This worship will commemorate the reunion of this congregation with our Conferencia Latina and NT-NL. You are invited to join us.

On December 11th Bishop Eaton will join in the festivities at San Gabriel (4029 County Road 610. Alvarado, TX 76009). The cabalgata begins about 10am and lasts for several hours. Again, you are welcome to join in the festivities and walk in the parade if you desire.

Observing traditions from around the world enriches us and our preparations in Advent for Christmas. I encourage you to learn more about the various ways communities in our synod celebrate and honor their heritage of faith.

In Mission Together:

Bishop Gronberg