SEATTLE – St. James Cathedral was filled with worshippers for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 3.

The feast honors the Virgin Mary, who first appeared to Juan Diego, an Aztec peasant who had converted to Christianity, on hill called Tepeyac (in present-day Mexico City) on Dec. 9, 1531. In his native language, Mary told Juan Diego that she wanted a church built in her honor on the site of her apparition.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas and the Philippines (read more about Our Lady of Guadalupe).

The annual event in Seattle began at Immaculate Conception Parish with a Holy Hour, Mañanitas and recitation of the rosary. Then a procession that included dancers in traditional dress made its way to the cathedral for a noontime Mass celebrated by Archbishop Paul D. Etienne.

Music was provided by a group of singers and musicians specially formed for the occasion. The homily was preached in Spanish, then in English, by Father Carlos Orozco, priest administrator of Holy Spirit Parish in Kent. A reception followed in Cathedral Hall.

Below are some scenes from the day’s events (all photos by Stephen Brashear).

The day began with a Holy Hour and recitation of the rosary at Immaculate Conception Parish in Seattle. (Stephen Brashear)

A variety of dance groups (above and below), wearing traditional dress, processed from Immaculate Conception Church to St. James Cathedral. (Stephen Brashear)

Groups carry banners in the procession of Immaculate Conception Church to St. James Cathedral. (Stephen Brashear)

At St. James Cathedral, Father Carlos Orozco, priest administrator of Holy Spirit Parish in Kent, preached the homily in both Spanish and English. (Stephen Brashear)

Archbishop Paul D. Etienne incenses the altar during the Mass celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. (Stephen Brashear)
Following the Mass, a reception was held in Cathedral Hall. (Stephen Brashear)