Events

Jude, also called Judas Thaddeus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and the son of one of Mary’s cousins. He is little mentioned in the bible yet is clearly distinguished from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus prior to his crucifixion.In art he is shown with a flame around …

Despite the wonderful traditions of Days of the Dead, Mexican children have adopted the concept of Halloween and Trick or Treat, the US’ premier pagan holiday. Expect to see kids running around with small plastic jack-o-lanterns and chiming “Halloween.” If you plan to be on the …

Before the coming of the Catholic conquistadors, natives lived with death as a constant companion.  The Chichimecas believed the spirits of the dead remained among the living to be acknowledged through song, dance, and food.  The cult of ancestor worship was deeply rooted in Mesoamerica.  …

You may notice a recent influx of camera carrying cowboys and cowgirls passing through the jardin on their horses.  Chances are, they are going to, or coming from, a festival for Saint Martin of Tours (France), or San Martin Caballero as he is known locally. …

During the war for Independence from Spain the insurgents from San Miguel chose the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe (that Fr. Hidalgo plucked from Atotonilco) to show how God’s mother was on their side. Did you know the Spanish side had their own Mary supporting them too? …

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a liturgical feast celebrating when Mary’s parents, Joachim and Ann decide to consecrate her to God, and bring her, at the age of three years, to the temple in Jerusalem.   It was a highly unusual act for a girl at that time. The baby Mary statues that are …

To celebrate the feast of St. Cecilia, local musicians play all types of music in church of St. Felipe de Nero (the Oratorio) the afternoon of November 22nd. Cecilia is one of the Church’s earliest saints and is the patroness of musicians.  Consequently, in art, …

Columbanus was an early (543 to 615) Irish missionary notable for founding a number of monasteries in France and Italy.  Columbanus was a ruggedly handsome man known for his love of the open road (hence all the missionary work) which later earned him the patron of motorcyclists. He also …

Saint Catherine Labouré was a French nun in the mid 1800’s  who relayed the request from the Virgin Mary to create the Miraculous Medal.  The Miraculous Medal is an exceedingly popular image dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, worn by millions, both Roman Catholics and other denominations, including many in …

Oaxaca and Guanajuato are two states in Mexico that often feature the devil in nativities.  There are two theories for this: One, the devil tried to distract the three kings on their trip to Jesus.  When that failed, he joined their travels and was present …

December 8th marks one of the most widely misunderstood concepts of Catholicism.  It is even misunderstood by many practicing Catholics. The Immaculate Conception is when St. Ann became pregnant with the Blessed Mother, Mary.  It is not when Mary became pregnant with Jesus.  The easy way to remember …

St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin is the humble indigenous man the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to starting December 9, 1531.   It was Juan Diego’s cloak (tilma) that the image of Mary is imprinted on and he who is seen next to her in most every image.In 2002 Juan …