SAN DIEGO — Thursday was a day full of reflection and gratitude for Catholics in our Hispanic community.
As the story goes, we’re coming up on 500 years since the Mother Mary first appeared in Mexico City.
"Our Lady of Guadalupe is our Patron Saint," Father Scott Santarosa said, who leads the Our Lady of Guadalupe church in Barrio Logan.
Polo Contreras attends that church. He said, "in Spanish they call her the Madre de Mexico, the Mother of Mexico. This is the only church in San Diego that does the real Mexican tradition of Our Lady of Guadalupe."
"It's a very special day for the Hispanic community," Maria Felipa added, who is also part of the congregation.
It was on December 12th 1531 when the Virgin Mary first appeared in Mexico, telling Juan Diego to build a church. Initially no one believed him. Diego then asked her for a sign and she filled the barron hills with roses. As he went before the Archbishop, the image of the Virgin Mary was there, imprinted on his clothing - providing the belief in miracles, from that day on.
"We can honor her all year long, but today is her day, it's very special," Felipa added.
"People pray for peace, help with their families, they pray for immigration, if they don't have documents, they pray for peace in Mexico," Father Santarosa added.
He said during this time of year - Guadalupe sends a message of hope.
"Our people love that message, that she takes care of them and will protect them," Father Santarosa said.
After prayer, comes party. Traditional Mexican dishes were prepared all to raise money for the church as their way of giving back for all their Mother has done.
"It makes you feel peace, love, friendship - it's totally a different world," Contreras said.
"What I tell people is the church is a club of sinners, not saints, so we all come because we need to," Father Santarosa added. "All are welcome."