TODAY WE SHARE THE EXPERIENCE THAT COMES TO US FROM THE CITY OF AGUASCALIENTES, MEXICO
Guadalupe Victoria School always celebrates the Feast of the Child Mary with the entire school community in various planned activities.
This year, from the first day of November, the preparations began for the celebration of the feast.
The Child Mary was taken to each classroom and placed on an altar prepared by the students. In this way they prayed to herzz and felt her presence as a friend and companion on life’s journey.
The statue of the Child Mary was also passed from one family home to another, inviting them to pray and render her simple homage in each child’s home.
Various forms of prose and drawings were created with the theme of the feast of the Child Mary… other art mediums and technological programs were used to express the same theme.
The young people prepared audiovisual presentations highlighting the virtues of the Child Mary that inspired them and gave greater meaning to their life.
A theatrical production open to the public presented the history of the celebration from its origins.
The Teacher Training School for Primary grades, as future educators, prepared a roundtable discussion on the values passed on to them by the Company of Mary and those which, through the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, they wished to incorporate into their in order to be agents of change in our society.
In the school chapel each class shared with Mary in a very personal way, their hopes, joys and needs; in our Mexican tradition we call this the ¨secret¨ we confide to Mary on this feast.
Following a school tradition, a raffle took place to determine who would crown the Blessed Virgin Mary. This was a very exciting moment.
Enthused by all the preparations, the feast was most solemnly celebrated on the 20th of November. It began with a procession of all the school community: students, teachers, and parents.
At the Eucharistic celebration the statue of Mary was presented by the pre-school children. This was followed by the coronation of the Child Mary. Afterwards everyone enjoyed delicious treats and different activities took place: games, cheers using phrases related to Mary; a talent show put on by the young people in honor of the Child Mary, etc.
At the end of the activities, a small remembrance of the day was distributed to all.
Once again, this celebration helps us be aware of the presence of Mary in our lives, as well as uniting ourselves to the universal Company of Mary where this tradition was celebrated in many different ways throughout the world. It is truly a feast that roots us in a tradition that gives us a strong sense of identity.
School community of Guadalupe Victoria Institute.
Company of Mary. Aguascalientes. Mexico.
REFLECTION GUIDE
The city of Aguascalientes is located in the center of Mexico. It is known for its beautiful handwork in weaving and embroidery and its very friendly and welcoming people. The climate is warm, as indicated by its name; and this applies not only to the people and water, but to its desert-like climate and scenery. It is a city that, from the time of its founding, has been known as a bridge between the western and eastern regions, the states in the south with those of the north. The Company of Mary has been here since 1807. It was first known as Convento de María Santísima de Guadalupe y Enseñanza. The original building was taken from the sisters during the religious persecution of 1926, and it is presently the Cultural Center of the city. When it was once again possible, the community reestablished the school in a location near the first convent. It remained here until 1985 when it was moved to the present site. The “Instituto Guadalupe Victoria, Compañía de María” has 550 students.
- All the expressions and symbols used in this celebration demonstrate how the tradition inherited from Saint Jeanne is vividly alive, while at the same time it is inculturated into this reality: the “visit” of the statue of the Child Mary to the different classrooms and home s, confiding her with a “secret”… What customs from your reality have marked your celebration of this feast?
- We also see the importance of reflecting on the ways of bringing into our lives the virtues lived by Mary and that through our particular characteristics and identity help us contribute in a positive way to today’s society. Let us share our experience regarding this point.
