Guadalupe celebrates both faith and tradition

	CELEBRATION: Quiceaneras dance during Sunday's liturgy for Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Agnes Church in Green Bay. The Mass started two days of celebrations for the Spanish-speaking community in Green Bay. (Scott Mueller photo)

By Laurie Mueller
Compass Correspondent

St. Willebrord and St. Agnes churches in Green Bay were filled with people, flowers, dancing and music Dec 11-12 in a festive celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

This is the 15th year St. Willebrord Parish - which is home to a large Hispanic and Spanish-speaking community - has hosted the event.

"The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is probably the most important feast day for Hispanic and other Spanish speaking people," said Sr. Melanie Maczka, pastoral associate at St. Willebrord. "The feast and traditions are familiar to many."

Since 2001, Sunday's festivities and liturgy have been moved to St. Agnes, which seats 1,500, compared to 500 in St. Willebrord. All seats were filled.

Bp. David Zubik presided at the Mass. He thanked the community for inviting him back for the celebration despite, he said, his poor Spanish skills. Fr. Ken DeGroot, O.Praem, pastor of St. Willebrord delivered the homily, first in Spanish, then in English.

The St. Willebrord Mariachi, "Estrella de Green Bay" provided music before and during the liturgy.   Full story ...

	Mass Times Diocese of Green Bay Mass Schedules
	Christmas Masses Christmas Mass Schedules

 • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --
    December 18, 2005: Seeking witness to God's presence (Advent)

 • Explaining the Scripture by Fr. Michael Stubbs --
    December 18, 2005: An angel by name is very important (Advent)

 • Editorial -- Grieving losses
    Five stages of grieving applies to all our losses and can help lead us to new life

 • Editorial -- Epiphany in the mall (Advent)
    Shopping trip turns into an eye-opener

 • Foundations of Faith --
    Scriptural journeys through Advent to Christmas (Advent)
    Place names tell us history - both of Jesus, Mary and Joseph - and of salvation

 • Saint of the Day --
    A non-violent solution to robbery
    Austerity and scholarship were the hallmarks of the Polish-born saint

 • Patti Christensen --
    Listening in prayer: Do you hear what I hear? (Advent)
    Voice of God speaks to us, if we are paying attention

 • Current Calendar of Events

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