ROCHESTER — Father Jesús Flores admitted that he was not conversant with the image of Our Lady of Altagracia, the protectoress of the Dominican Republic.
The devotion to the Virgin Mary, no matter her title, though, is a universal celebration of the love of a mother and the grace she offers to the world, he said during his homily.
Mass honors Our Lady of Altagracia
Nearly 150 people attended the annual Mass in honor of Our Lady of Altagracia held on her Jan. 21 feast day at Holy Apostles Church. Father Flores celebrated the Mass for Father Anthony Mugavero, pastor of Holy Apostles, who was in Washington D.C., for the March for Life.
"We are always on a journey," Father Flores added. "Maria guides us on this journey."
The Virgin Mary also serves as an important part of the identity of Latin America, Aracelis Rodríguez said in her welcoming remarks at the beginning of the Mass.
"With her, we seek to become true disciples … open to her son’s word, to practice what he preaches and work for his kingdom," she said.
