SAN DIEGO — Catholics united to commemorate our Lady of Guadalupe with prayers, flowers and candles ahead of Dec. 12.
“We’re commemorating the time that she appeared to Juan Diego around this time in 1531. So, that's what we’re commemorating and she's appeared to number of people through the world and throughout time but especially that appearance to him just outside of Mexico,” Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Father Scott Santarosa said.
Scott tells CBS 8 he expects to see anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 people make their way to the church either to attend mass or to visit our Lady of Guadalupe.
“This church has been I would say the epicenter of the celebration of Guadalupe since its existence since 1931 at this site because this parish has been the Mexican national church for San Diego,” Santarosa said.
Full of emotion, Juan Manuel Lopez Ochoa kneeled down to give thanks to our lady of Guadalupe. Juan tells CBS 8 in Spanish, he gives thanks to all she has offered and he has accomplished. Juan also took a moment to pray for his family and brothers.
“You will see how much she is loved by how many flowers and how many candles are outside this shrine tonight and tomorrow,” Santarosa said.
Logan Heights, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church services
Services are scheduled from midnight until 7 p.m. and will have several Spanish masses.
- Midnight at Church
- Midnight at Parish Hall
- 6 a.m. at Church
- 8 a.m. at Church
- Noon at Church
- 5 p.m. at Church
- 5 p.m. Parish Hall
- 7 p.m. at Church
- 7 p.m. Parish Hall