By VINCE TADDEI
Cardinal Mooney Director of Communication
YOUNGSTOWN — The glow of lights and the scent of roses filled the Cardinal Mooney High School auditorium on Thursday as students and staff gathered for a Mass in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Presided over by Rev. Frassati Davis, O.P., of St. Dominic Parish in Youngstown, the Mass honored the Patroness of the Americas, blending prayer, culture, and community in a celebration of faith and heritage.
“Our Lady of Guadalupe’s message is one of authenticity,” Fr. Davis said. “Mary appeared to Juan Diego, who was a humble man. This teaches us to embrace who we truly are and recognize the value of each person’s unique identity, culture, and background.”
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrated on Dec. 12, commemorates the Virgin Mary’s appearance to St. Juan Diego in 1531 on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City. The story holds deep significance in both Catholic and Hispanic traditions and was brought to life at Cardinal Mooney through colorful banners, student-led music, and a vibrant display of roses — symbols of the miraculous flowers that bloomed before Juan Diego’s eyes.
Music was provided in Spanish by members of St. Rose of Lima in Campbell.
Melissa Dulik, a theology teacher at Cardinal Mooney, emphasized the importance of celebrating diverse expressions of faith.
“Ever since we did this last year, I couldn’t wait to experience it again,” Dulik said. “This is one of the best days of the year, and I’m very proud that Cardinal Mooney celebrates it in a way that bridges faith and culture..”
For Spanish teacher, Marlene Bassil, the Mass was both a spiritual and cultural experience.
“Today we had the honor to celebrate here at Cardinal Mooney with Fr. Frassati the relevant and meaningful celebration of our Lady of Guadalupe of her three apparitions from December 9 to December 12 of 1531 in Mexico at the Tepeyac hill to an indigenous convert named Juan Diego,” Bassil said.
Fr. Davis concluded the Mass by encouraging the congregation to embrace the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe in their daily lives. He went on to elaborate that she invites us to be messengers of God’s love and just as she sent Juan Diego out to share her message, she sends us out to be lights of faith, hope, and compassion in the world.
Photo by Jim Stickel, Class of 2011