LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Catholics in the Las Vegas Valley gathered at St. Anne Catholic Church Thursday to celebrate Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe.
It’s one of the most cherished traditions in Mexican culture and Catholic Faith.
The celebration included matachines dancers, mariachi music, and traditional Mexican attire.
“Here in Las Vegas, the community of faith is very diverse and very rich,” said Bishop Gregory Gordon. “So we have many faithful from Mexico and from Latin America, and Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of Mexico.”
According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City, asking him to build a church in her honor. As proof of her request, she left an image of herself on his tilma.
“We’re really celebrating a mother’s love. In Our Lady of Guadalupe, we have a mother and an intercessor interceding and giving comfort to her children,” Bishop Gordon said.
Attendees said this is an important way to preserve culture and community.
This was Rosa Toyoda’s fourth year at this celebration. This year, she’s extra thankful to Virgin Mary. Her mother’s VISA was approved and after 24 years of living apart from each other, Rosa’s mom will soon be joining her in the U.S.
“I feel so happy because I’m finally going to be reunited with my mom,” Toyoda said in Spanish.
The Catholic Diocese of Las Vas confirmed the Saint Anne Catholic Church will continue with their regular English-language mass Friday.
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