Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
August 7, 2002
Juan Diego's sainthood inspires Hispanic people
Local parishes celebrate canonization of Indian
By Jack Bacon
The canonization of St. Juan Diego by Pope John Paul II in Mexico July 31 inspired a surge of piety and pride among Colorado's Catholics, especially in the growing population of Mexican-American and those of other Hispanic or Indian heritage.
Priests at three Denver parishes with predominately Hispanic membership welcomed the enthusiasm generated by the event and the extensive local and international media coverage of the dramatic ceremony at Tepeyac, the pope's participation in World Youth Day in Toronto and his visit to Guatemala that led up to it.
"Most wonderful," said Theatine Father Tomas Fraile, parochial vicar of St. Cajetan Parish. "For our parishioners, many from Mexico who come from very humble backgrounds, it is a wonderful message.
"Our Lord spoke to the humble in Juan Diego, and it's a voice for them."
At Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish on the day of canonization, Theatine Father Sergio Robles reported Wednesday Mass attendance reached 60, compared to normal daily celebration of about 10.
"For us as Mexican-Americans, we're very proud," Father Robles said. "And it's not just for Mexican-Americans, but for all people."
Father Robles, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Guadalupe, said the event touched parishioners deeply.
"Something is moving inside them," he said. "They have faith, but now they feel more close to God, close to the Church."
Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Cajetan's conducted their own special celebrations of the occasion. A small shrine featuring the new saint was set up and decorated at Our Lady of Guadalupe and a small fiesta scheduled after Sunday Masses.
St. Cajetan's celebrated the canonization at all Sunday Masses, including a noon mariachi Mass followed by a parish procession, and combined celebration of Juan Diego's sainthood and the feast of Theatine co-founder St. Cajetan, Aug. 7 on the Church calendar.
Father Fraile noted the two saints were contemporaries. St. Cajetan, 1480-1547, was canonized in 1671. Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego in December 1531.
"They lived for the same thing," he said, "two very humble gentlemen."
Father Marcus Medrano, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, said he was especially impressed by the "enthusiasm for holiness" sparked by the celebration.
"For all people, Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, Indians and everyone, it was a great present for (Our Lady) to have someone like Juan Diego, who was a simple person and not a person of high esteem, to give her message of her son's love."
The message of Juan Diego and his sainthood, Father Medrano said, is that "we're all called to holiness."
And there's a further message for the United States, he believes.
"When we see so much separation in the United States, we can sometimes forget what makes it what it is," he said.
"Sometimes you hear people say (of immigrants), `Why don't they stay there?' We're all brothers and sisters. God chooses all of us."
Perhaps Juan Diego's message "will help us tear down all types of borders, including political borders," Father Medrano said. "He speaks volumes of the love of God for all people."
Contact Us
