Our Lady of Guadalupe has become an eminent image throughout Latin America and even North America and is often seen as an advocate for migrants and vulnerable populations across the Americas. Pope John Paul II, in 1999, declared that the Church throughout America would celebrate December 12th as the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
What can you do on December 12th?
- PRAY: Attend Mass to Celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mass Readings in ENGLISH / SPANISH). On her feast day, remember to pray for migrants, refuges and immigrants. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Justice for Immigrants Campaign has a list of Our Lady of Guadalupe Masses taking place throughout the U.S.
- REFLECT: Learn More About Our Lady of Guadalupe and share her message of Christ’s love for migrants and vulnerable people with your community. Utilize the USCCB’s front-back flyer that shares the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe and includes a prayer (ENGLISH / SPANISH).
- ADVOCATE: Taking from Our Lady of Guadalupe’s message of unification and her special role to young people, voice your support for young people in our communities who are facing an uncertain future because of the recent end the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA youth and the larger Dreamer community need legislative protection from Congress to ensure that they are not deported from the only home they have ever known and separated from their families. Send a message to your members of Congress urging passage of the DREAM Act quickly so as not to uproot the lives of so many young people who’ve made enormous contributions to our communities and our economy.
- SHARE: Let others know about your concern for those who migrate. On the Feast Day (December 12th), download the flyer featured (ENGLISH, FRENCH, SPANISH) take a picture of yourself and share the image via social media using the hashtag #CforH. The flyer can also go on your office door, window, etc.