.- For the first time ever, celebrations in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be held in Philadelphia's Cathedral.
Cardinal Justin Rigali will celebrate a Mass for tomorrow's Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at 7 p.m. on Saturday. The Mass will be held in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, off 18th street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.
The mariachi band, which is to provide the music for the Mass, will also play “mañanitas,” a series of songs to honor the Blessed Mother. Other choirs from the diocese and a children's group will participate in the “mañanitas.” The celebration will conclude at 11 p.m.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia says it is sure that celebrations will take place in other parts of the city. However, as the importance of the feast grows in the city, the celebration is also being moved to the Cathedral. Last year marked the first time “mañanitas” were held at the Cathedral.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, who first appeared to Juan Diego in 1531 in the hills outside modern-day Mexico City, is the Patroness of the Unborn and of the Americas. Though the entire American continent is under her protection, her feast is celebrated with greater dedication among Hispanics.
