MARION — Sharon Jaramillo portrayed Our Lady of Guadalupe during the annual feast day celebration at Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission at St. Gregory Church.
"I felt like it was a very big role," the 14-year-old freshman at Marion Junior-Senior High School said following the Dec. 11 Mass. "I just enjoy helping with the community. I’m always trying to empower people for God."
Sharon and Ricardo Arteaga, 16, who portrayed St. Juan Diego, led the re-enactment of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s appearance to the saint in Tepeyac, Mexico, in 1531. The re-enactment preceded the readings during the Mass, which more than 150 people attended.
Migrant community celebrates feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
"She energizes us and sustains us," Father Jesús Flores said of Our Lady of Guadalupe during his homily.
As she worked through St. Juan Diego, the Virgin Mary also seeks to transform us to serve as disciples for her son, Jesus Christ, Father Flores said.
"He is the good news," Father Flores said of Jesus. "He is who we have to bring to our brothers and sisters."