Last February 1st, Sunday, the Parish of St. Augustine of the Augustinian Recollects in Union City (New Jersey, United States) solemnly celebrated the farewell of the image of the Pilgrim Virgin of Guadalupe that has been presiding over the temple since last December 28th.
His presence was intended to prepare Catholics for the 500th anniversary of the apparitions at Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City. His farewell celebration was presided over by the Archbishop of Newark, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, accompanied by his secretary and the three Augustinian Recollect friars who serve in this parish.
The Cardinal, with simple yet profound words, touched the hearts of the faithful to such an extent that, after the celebration, many wanted to greet him in person, introduce their families, and take photographs.
A mariachi band enlivened the liturgy, adding a touch of joy and Guadalupana tradition that was very well received by all the faithful, regardless of their culture of origin.
After the last bilingual Mass, at 5:30 p.m., the volunteers began dismantling the temporary shrine of the Pilgrim Mother. These were the same volunteers who, five weeks earlier, had worked enthusiastically to assemble it.
Although it took them five hours to assemble, disassembly and packing took only two hours. The next day it left for some Catholic parishes in Wisconsin and, from there, it will continue on to California.
The Mother of Guadalupe thus fills many with her spirit, her comfort, her strength, her listening ear and her privileged intercession before her son Jesus to all those who live their faith in the United States.
