Story by Nora Botello, Reporter
Photo courtesy of Esperanza Garcia 

On Wednesday Dec. 12, Campus Ministry held the second bilingual mass in Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel in honor of the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

The mass this year included more prayers and music in Spanish compared to last year, when they held the very first one.

Terry Marshall, liturgical minister for Campus Ministry, said, “The Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe is really the perfect occasion for a bilingual Mass. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Americas and it is a great way to celebrate the message of hope and consolation of the Blessed Mother to a particular people in a particular time.”

What was different about this year’s mass was that a local mariachi, El Son de Mexico, led the songs during the liturgy; it was the first time this has happened. For past masses, they have used student guitarists and bilingual cantors, but not a mariachi. 

“Mariachi bands have performed on campus for special occasions, but have never lead the worship music at a Mass,” Marshall said.

Fr. Luis Garcia, associate pastor at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, was invited to preside over the mass. He proclaimed the Gospel in Spanish, and there was an available translation of it.

Several students who are devoted to Our Lady Guadalupe helped plan the bilingual mass this year, including by translating English prayers to Spanish.

“Campus Ministry is happy to support these efforts,” Marshall said about the student involvement.

Campus Ministry plans on having other bilingual masses in the future, as there are several feast days that would provide the opportunity.