BONITA, Calif. — Beginning next week, Catholics around the world will celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe.
The Father at a church in Bonita says her significance is right up there with Christmas.
It is reportedly 500 years since Mary, the Virgin or Our Lady of Guadalupe showed up in Mexico City. That’s why December 12 carries deep significance at our local catholic churches.
"Mary has appeared in so many places around the world," Father Efrain Bautista said.
In Mexico City in 1531, it was her image, that miraculously appeared, on a peasant named, Juan Diego. He said Mary sent him to ask the bishop, to build a church.
"This was a miracle, that she herself Mary did," Father Bautista said. He leads one of the largest parishes, in San Diego's Catholic Diocese, Corpus Christi in Bonita.
"For our fellowship, it's two-fold. She is the Patron Saint of Mexico, and also of the Philippines," he said.
He says the original message from Our Lady of Guadalupe is still just as relevant today.
"God is our hope, so we cannot lose faith in God along the way. Even in hard times, be thankful for the blessings you have," he said.
Many share that special devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe.
"We have to love her as the Mother of God," Ana Luna said.
Last week, more than 2,000 San Diegans from 40 different ministries walked through North Park and attended mass at Saint Augustine High School.
For 50 years, the Diocese has held this event early, to give each parish time for their own event, the day of.
"What she means to us, is that we can do anything, if we say yes to the Lord," Luna added.
In celebration of her birthday, mass will be held several times on Tuesday.
"We start at 5 o clock in the morning, the church will be filled and we'll serenade the image of our blessed mother," Father Bautista said.
In Mexico City, the singing lasts 24 hours.
WATCH RELATED: Catholics in San Diego honor Our Lady of Guadalupe