Posted December 13, 2013

Worshipers filled the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul for the vigil Mass of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Thursday, Dec. 11. Processions of parishioners from predominantly Latino parishes in South Philadelphia, North Philadelphia and Lower Northeast Philadelphia came to the cathedral for the evening Mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles Chaput. It concluded with las Mañanitas, a traditional serenade of hymns in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Under the name Our Lady of Guadalupe, she is the patroness of the Americas. (Photos by Sarah Webb)
Watch a video of the celebration here.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput preaches his homily in English while a translator at right speaks to the people in Spanish.

  • Many of those attending the Mass and celebration wore or carried symbols of Mary.

  • Pilgrims carried their statues and icons of Our Lady of Guadalupe to place before her shrine to be blessed.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput incenses the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego.

  • Hundreds of people filled the cathedral for Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas.

  • Pilgrims process through the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul with statues of Our Lady of Guadalupe as Spanish hymns fill the church Dec. 11. (Sarah Webb)

  • Alexander Abad from Annunciation Parish in South Philadelphia is all smiles dressed as Juan Diego.

  • Pilgrims carry images of Our Lady of Guadalupe as they arrive at the cathedral for Mass.

  • Statues brought by the people for blessing line side altars at the cathedral.

  • Miriachi serenade Our Lady of Guadalupe at her shrine at the Cathedral, a tradition known as Las Mananitas.

  • Pilgrims from parishes in South Philadelphia arrive at the cathedral with a very large image of our Lady.

  • Pilgrims from South Philly fill 18th Street as they process along the streets with music toward the cathedral.

  • Hundreds of pilgrims took to the streets in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, partoness of the Americas.

  • Hundreds of pilgrims took to the streets in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, including this group from St. Francis de Sales Parish in West Philadelphia.

  • Cooper Hernandez from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish was up past his bedtime for the vigil Mass celebration Thursday night, Dec. 11, in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. (Sarah Webb)

  • Daniel Hernandez from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish enjoys dressing like St. Juan Diego for the celebration.

  • Little Brenna Velez from St. Ambrose Parish in Philadelphia sings along to the music that fills the church.

  • Pilgrims from parishes north of the cathedral began their walk as early as 4 p.m., such as parishioners of St. Joan of Arc in Philadelphia, arriving at the cathedral by 8:30.

  • Pilgrims from parishes North of the Cathedral process from their home parishes for the celebration in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.