KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - Around 100 U.S. military and family members serving in the heart of Central Europe honored the "Patroness of the Americas" during a lively and eclectic celebration punctuated by Spanish prayers, English mass, Latin dance, Mexican music and an international potluck luncheon held Dec. 12 at Daenner Kaserne.
The feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, rooted in 16th Century sightings of the Virgin Mary near present-day Mexico City, evolved into one of the Catholic world's most revered and most popular celebrations. "Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe," among the most cherished Christian symbols in Mexico, resonates most powerfully in the Latin-American world. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, located in northern Mexico City and among the most prominent pilgrimage sights in the Catholic world, attracts millions of visitors annually.
Fortunately, Kaiserslautern Military Community members enjoyed a more proximate celebratory venue - the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's home chapel.
The festivities started, appropriately, with a Spanish rosary, a procession of parishioners bearing a shrine and flowers for Our Lady, and a Catholic mass. Solemnity quickly gave way to lively if reverent revelry during a uniquely festive service. After parish children reenacted the appearance of the Virgin to Juan Diego, young "Matachines" dancers, adorned in colorful costumes replicating the attire of the first Native American Christian converts, proceeded along the chapel's main aisle toward the altar. Upon reaching the altar, the children performed a series of gestures based loosely but loveably on traditional dances in honor of Mary. Toddlers and young children bounced almost randomly as school-aged kids approximated rhythmic movement, organizers attempted to maintain order and delighted parents laughed and cheered them on.
An authentic three-man Mariachi band decked out in customary Mexican regalia performed the culminating song of the mass as well as a full concert following the service. The lively and indefatigable trio followed parishioners to the reception area following the concert, serenading celebrants almost until the moment they departed.
Food followed fun. Mexican fare predominated, but a wide array of American staples and sweets abundantly accommodated a broad spectrum of culinary preferences. Offerings included hearty Mexican main dishes, rice, beans, tortillas, macaroni and cheese, breads, cakes and cookies as well as a variety of beverages appropriate to an afternoon event held in a chapel. As in most Latin fiestas, children abounded, playing a prominent ceremonial role, ransacking the sweets and pillaging a piñata in the aftermath of the luncheon.
Organizers and participants alike described the event as a spiritual and cultural triumph.
"It went very well," said Christina Bezama, the parish religious education coordinator and lead event organizer. "Everyone enjoyed themselves. The message of this celebration is God's love for us is so immense that he sent his own mother to guide us to his son. On a social level, it brought everyone closer to their faith and to their community."
Lt. Col. James Betz, U.S. Army Garrison Rhineland-Pfalz chaplain and parish priest, said event organizers transformed a traditional Latin American celebration into a unique and memorable event perfectly suited to an eclectic expatriate community.
"They celebrated who they are and in the process created something different," said Betz, who presided over many Lady of Guadalupe events as a parish priest in the Philadelphia area. "It was very well attended. It brought people together from across our communities. It was obviously special for our Hispanic parishioners, but it reached well beyond that - it included everyone. I'll bet we have it again next year."
The event attracted participants from across the regional American "footprint," with celebrants travelling from as far as Heidelberg for the festivities. A strong turnout from neighboring Catholic communities in Ramstein, Vogelweh, Landstuhl and Baumholder bolstered enthusiastic "home church" participation for the only Lady of Guadalupe celebration in the Rhineland-Pfalz.
The fiesta generated plenty of family and community as well as Christian spirit.
"This celebration made us feel like we're at home, even in another country," said Patti Ramos, a parish volunteer whose husband serves as environmental science and engineering officer with the 21st TSC'30th Medical Brigade. "We were really excited - everything was so colorful and cheerful. This is always a big, festive celebration at home, and I like that - it feels like family."
"Everything was nice, everyone participated," added Betsabe Colon, a parish volunteer whose children performed with the "Matachines" dancers and whose husband serves with the 5th Quartermaster Company, part of the TSC's 39th Transportation Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade. "It was a great event for the family and the community. This is a very special memory. Seeing my girls participate in the dancing was a thrill."
Despite its proximity to Christmas, the fiesta bears no special relation to the celebration of Jesus' birth. The parish marks Christmas with masses scheduled for 5 p.m. Dec. 24 at Daenner Chapel and 10 a.m. Dec. 25 at Landstuhl Chapel. Parish officials said the services will feature beautiful seasonal hymns but no Mariachi music.
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