THOUSANDS OF BROOKLYN AND QUEENS CATHOLICS MAKE ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO HONOR OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

To standing room only crowds, Robert Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, celebrated two Masses today to mark the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico and the Americas. The first Mass was held at 9:30 am at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn for Brooklyn parishes. The second Mass was celebrated at 1:30 pm for Queens parishes.

In his homily, delivered in Spanish, Bishop Brennan preached:

“As in the days of Juan Diego, Mary stands in solidarity with those who live in fear, bearing witness to God’s enduring peace. Brothers and sisters, with my brother bishops of the United States and with your pastors present here and in your parishes, we are very, very proud to be with you. We stand with you, 100%.”

Bishop Brennan reiterated words from a three United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) committee op-ed that published today on America Magazine, Three U.S. bishops: Racially profiling migrants (and Americans) is a betrayal of the Gospel.

“Despite obstacles and prejudices, for generations, immigrants have contributed immensely to the well-being of our nation. As bishops, we advocate for meaningful reform of our nation’s immigration laws and procedures. Human dignity and national security are not conflicting values. Both can be achieved with goodwill and by working together. Friends, Mary is with us,” said Bishop Brennan to the faithful.

At the conclusion of each Mass, on the steps of the Co-Cathedral, Bishop Brennan blessed and lit the torches, which lit the way for the pilgrims on their journey back to their respective parishes.

More than 3,500 Catholics took part in the two Spanish Masses from 53 Catholic churches across Brooklyn and Queens. The pilgrims largely represent the Mexican-American Catholic population of Brooklyn and Queens.

### 

VIMEO: vimeo.com/1146074449
COURTESY: Diocese of Brooklyn

SOT 1 BISHOP ROBERT BRENNAN / BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN “Como en los días de Juan Diego, María se solidariza con aquellos que viven con miedo, dando testimonio de la paz permanente de Dios. Hermanos y hermanas, con mis hermanos obispos del Estado Unidos y con sus parrocos aqui presente y en sus parroquias estamos muy pero muy orgullos de estar con ustedes. We stand with you, 100%.”

SOT 2 “Como obispos, abogamos por una reforma significativa de las leyes y los procedimientos migratorios de nuestra nación.  La dignidad humana y la seguridad nactional no son valores en conflicto. Ambas pueden alcanzarse con buena voluntad y uniendo esfuerzos. Amigos, Maria esta con nosotros.”