Walking into Our Lady of Angels Church in
Woodbridge, one felt transported in time. The scent of roses permeated the air,
with enough roses to rival the Rose Parade in Pasadena surrounding large images
of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Small children were dressed as mini Juan Diegos, complete with
beards. Young girls wore Mexican dresses with their hair decked with wreaths of
flowers and ribbons.
More than 2,000 gathered in every inch of the church to celebrate
the feast day of the patroness of the Americas — Our Lady of Guadalupe — Dec.
12.
A half-hour before Mass, Mariachi Aguila DC processed into the
church with trumpets, guitars and voice and made their way to the image of Our
Lady in the front of the church. They sang for Mary and the thousands of
parishioners gathered.
Youths with flags representing the 13 cultures that are part of
the parish processed into the church.
Father Alexander Diaz, parochial vicar, celebrated Mass.
“Our Lady of Guadalupe represents the center of the faith for
Latin American people. She appeared to Juan Diego in light and dark skin colors
to unify cultures — we remember that moment when she came, and people had that
faith. We feel her protection,” said Father Diaz.
Parishioners celebrated with food and music after processing with
an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe through the parking lot.
