After well over 15 years, “La Virgen de Zapopan” will once more be visiting St. Joseph’s Parish, in Chicago’s Back of the Yards Neighborhood. Her visit from May 08, 2013 through May 12, 2013 is just in time for Mother’s Day
which is very fitting since she in the Catholic faith is a representation of our Mother, Virgen Mary. During her visit we are anticipating a multitude of people to attend St. Joseph’s Parish to visit her and join us in our Mother-focused celebrations.
Nuestra Señora de Zapopan, is venerated not only in Zapopan, but throughout Mexico and in the United States. Her Statute reposes in the Basilica of Zapopan in Jalisco, Mexcio. In 1979, Pope John Paul II visited the Basilica during his first visit to Mexico. She is lovingly known as, “La Generala,” which translates to “The General,” as well as “La Pacificadora,” meaning “The Pacifier” because she is believed to have brought an end to a bloody battle between the Spanish and the Indians in 1541. After Mexico became independent in 1821, the Virgin was proclaimed patroness of the State of Jalisco. La Virgen de Zapopan has millions of devoted followers and is believed to have granted many miracles. She is seen as “La Reina de Jalisco” (Queen of Jalisco).
We are excited to have her visit our Parish. A few of the highlights during the visit are the following:
- May 8, 2013
- 6:00 p.m. – Welcome Procession through the Back of the Yards community, immediately followed by opening mass.
- May 9, 2013
- 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Holy Mass
- May 10, 2013
- 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.-Mother’s Day “Mañanitas” Mass with Mariachi
- May 11, 2013
- 7:00 p.m.- Special Mother’s Day Dinner/Dance with live entertainment (Featuring Grupo Ideal, Los Ruidosos Musicales and KANO)
- May 12, 2013
- 3:00 p.m.-“Human Rosary” in honor of Mothers (trilingual human representation of a rosary)
- 5:30 p.m. – Special Mass for Law Enforcement, Fire and Military personnel
- 7:00 p.m.-Departure Mass and Blessing of Expectant Mothers with Bishop Alberto Rojas (co-sponsored by Archdiocese of Chicago’s Respect Life Office)
St. Joseph Parish was founded in 1887 as a Polish Parish and this past September it was happy to celebrate its 125th Anniversary. It currently serves a predominantly Latino community and offers services in English, Spanish and Polish. This parish is continuing to grow and to serve the various needs of its community. St. Joseph Parish is working on many new projects; amongst them it will be presenting its first annual HOPE Scholarship to deserving high school seniors.
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