Thursday, December 05, 2013

"A Virgin A Day": Day 5

Juan Diego on his knees



On the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, there is a section of homes in the South Valley of Albuquerque that displays Our Lady. Huge displays in their yard (you won't find any Santa Claus displays in this section of town!). There is a celebration of the mass in the evening at a nearby Catholic church. A procession starts at the conclusion of mass and the priest, along with members of the church (and whoever wants to join them), go down the street to the South Broadway Cultural Center which is an art and library space run by the city-which also has a community 'altar' set up and anyone who wants to exhibit their art for the month of December in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe is able to. From there, the priest and many others continue through the neighborhood as the priest makes stops at the homeowner's request to bless their home. It is a very moving and somber occasion to witness.

The images from my Day 1 and Day 2 postings are also from this neighborhood.

As human beings, we all turn to examples of what we are trying to model our behavior after. It serves as a reminder to keep trying. It serves as inspiration. Most importantly, perhaps, is that it serves as an example to follow (as best we can).

It's not about idolatry worship-nothing could be further from the truth. It's about recognition and honoring the role that this incredible woman was chosen for.

An annual tradition for a group of us (hosted by the amazing Rebecca Brooks) is to post something about our Blessed Mother for 12 days-starting with December 1st and concluding on the Feast Day of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Dec. 12th. I will admit, that for all of us, our lives are busy lives; particularly as we head into the Holiday Season. This kind of commitment is not as easy to do as one would think! However, it is not an exclusive group. You may join in just for one day, partial, or all!

And, by all means, please be sure to stop by and visit a few others who are on this 12 day journey.

11 comments:

Hettienne Grobler said...

oh i just love the imagery, the devotion, the act of worship, the ritual and the love that it implies! I read your St Damien journey and it touched me very deeply. I am working on a Sacred Heart Oracle Deck - a series of hand made assemblage shrines of the saints which I intend turning into a deck of cards - and I am now on the hunt for any holy cards or statues of St Damien!!

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

Falling to our knees in adoration and wonder is a custom too many of us have abandoned...

J C said...

I'm betting there is a feeling of love one can receive walking down the streets of South A. during this time. Thanks for bringing us this love to share.

GlorV1 said...

Love your post Paula. Would love to be there. Thank you for sharing.

foxysue said...

What a lovely image, the community spirit sounds wonderful....x

Anonymous said...

This is something I wish I could see. It sounds wonderful. In my kids growing up years several families took part in the 7 days of the Feast of the Las Posada. We had statues of Mary and Joseph we carried to the participating homes. We would knock on the door of "the inn" and though there wasn't room to stay, of course, we always had snacks. The kids loved it and remember it well, but I think we grownups loved it even more.

Nonnie said...

I would dearly love to be in Albuquerque for this wonderful event!
I love the idea of no Santas, reindeer, etc. on lawns. But as I told another blogger, our section of Indiana is considered missionary country.

Gillena Cox said...

this is a really nice pic, the depth of night and the lighted Virgin so well harmonized

much love...

Priti Lisa said...

Oh Paula, I would love to join in this parade...all of that positive energy and love all around...how thrilling that must be! ♥♥♥

rebecca said...

i love that so many traditions from the roots of what was once mexico thrive to this day in new mexico and arizona.
san miguel is home to 500 year old traditions that also convey a deep expression of devotion, rich imagery, and cherished ritual. as the posadas unfold i will be thinking of you from there!

Forest Dream Weaver said...

Lovely post.....this altar must have really sparkled.

Happy Friday!
Ruby

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin