WASHINGTON— On Tuesday, December 12, the Catholic Church
will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas
and the Unborn. Celebrations in dioceses across the nation will be held
throughout the month of December to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe. These events
seek to honor the accomplishments, hopes, fears, and needs of all families who
have come to the U.S. seeking a better life.

“As we enter the Advent season and Christmas
approaches, we are reminded of the unique role and importance of Our Lady of
Guadalupe, a unifier and peacebuilder for communities. We honor her role as
protectress of families, including those families separated and far from
home,” stated Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of Austin, Texas, and Chairman
of the USCCB Committee on Migration.

Over 55 prayer services, Masses, processions and other
events will be held in dioceses across the country as the Catholic Church
continues to accompany migrants and refugees seeking opportunity to provide for
their families. On December 12, 2017, a Mass honoring our Lady of Guadalupe will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Mario Dorsonville, Auxiliary
Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington, at St. Peter’s Church in Washington,
DC at 12:10 PM. All are welcome to attend.

For more information, please visit the Justice for
Immigrants (JFI) website at https://justiceforimmigrants.org/lady-guadalupe-resource-page/ which has background material and scriptural information on Our Lady of
Guadalupe in English and Spanish, a nationwide map of events, and community celebration ideas.

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Keywords: U.S. Conference of Catholic
Bishops, USCCB, Day of Prayer, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Auxiliary Bishop
Mario Dorsonville, Committee on Migration, unborn, pro-life, migrant and refugee services, Advent, mercy,
unity, solidarity.

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Media Contact:
Judy Keane
202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops