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CURRENT ISSUE: November 20, 2006 • VOL. 44, NO. 20 • Oakland, CA
Guadalupe pilgrimage set for Dec. 9
Catholics
across the Oakland Diocese are invited to join in the first diocesan pilgrimage
in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 9.
The event will feature musicians, marching bands, dancers, and devotional
floats created by Hispanic Catholics. The procession will take pilgrims
from East Oakland to Lakeside Park near the construction site of the new
Cathedral of Christ the Light.
It will begin at St. Louis Bertrand Church, 100th Avenue and International
Boulevard, at 9 a.m. and proceed along International Boulevard, making
three stops -- at 62nd Avenue, 34th Avenue and 16th Avenue where parishioners
from St. Bernard, St. Elizabeth, and St. Anthony will join the procession.
Once the pilgrims reach First Avenue, they will walk around the perimeter
of Lake Merritt and adjacent streets until they reach the outdoor rotunda
at Lakeside Park around 1:30 p.m, where they will be greeted by folkloric
music and dancing.
At the park Bishop Allen Vigneron will lead the Liturgy of the Word, using
scripture readings for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrated
on Dec. 12. Father Antonio Valdivia, pastor at St. Louis Bertrand Parish,
will deliver the homily. Prayers of the Faithful and a blessing of all
pilgrims will follow.
The pilgrimage is a manifestation of the faith of many local Catholics,
said Father Valdivia. He said the floats, created by at least eight groups
for their local Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations, will illustrate the
message and meaning behind the feast.
Parishioners are encouraged to carry banners or standards from their parishes
or parish groups during the procession. Individuals are also encouraged
to bring images of Mary for the pilgrimage.
Parishes in East Oakland, with assistance from St. Felicitas Parish in
San Leandro and St. Bede Parish in Hayward, have planned the event in
collaboration with the Latino priests of the diocese and the diocesan
Office of Latino Ministries.
Artist
Bea Carrillo Hocker’s “Virgin of Guadalupe”.
CNS photo by Greg Tarczynski
