St. Joseph celebrates with Mariachi Mass and concert in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Ramiro Quiroz, Director of Mariachi Luna y Sol, partnered with Jeannie Leos, Music Director at St. Joseph Church in Beeville, to organize a Mariachi Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Friday, Dec. 12. Ralph Olivares, President of the Divine Mercy Society assisted Father Richard Gonzalez before Mass to light candles for the intentions of Pope Francis, Bishop Michael Mulvey and for all priests and deacons in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

"Our Blessed Mother brings us together within her mantilla, her veil, and then points us to her son. She is our model of strength; not her strength, but Christ's. She shows us beauty; not her beauty, but the beauty of her Son. She brings us hope in the midst of fear and doubt," Father Gonzalez, pastor of St. Joseph’s, said.

After the Mass, everyone was invited to the hall for a concert and dinner hosted by The Divine Mercy Society. Olivares said that this year's event "was the most successful of its kind, so far."

The local Ballet Folklorico group performed, as did a group of choir members, including Mark and Anna Garcia, Angie Zertuche, Daniel Flores, Melinda Leal, Cecilia Galvan, Fernando Cisneros and Rose McGill. There was a raffle, a “grito” contest and the Mariachi play throughout the concert.

The Life Teen and Edge groups worked together to present the live story of Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe. The parish's youth minister Tiesha Cantu said, "It was so nice bringing everyone together for the mass and concert."

Joseph Constante, 12-years-old, played the part of Juan Diego. Karyna Leal, 13-years-old portrayed Our Lady of Guadalupe. They also participated in the Liturgy, lighting the Advent Wreath candles and the presentation of the gifts. Megan Alaniz, Patrick Krueger and Christopher Cantu assisted with stage, props, sound and lights for the play.

"Celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe in a big way has always been a part of my life. It turned out exactly as Dec. 12 should always be; beautiful, meaningful and fun, Leos said. “What really made the night special were the Mariachi, Folklorico dancers, and the home made chocolate caliente. Everyone who was involved with the event did an incredible job. It's a huge honor for me to be a part of the St. Joseph's parish family in Beeville. The people here are very kind, loving and generous. Plus, they always find reasons to feed you and make you laugh."

DJ Alex Camacho played before the concert and helped with the set up of the sound system in the hall.

Photos by Allison Welder