photographs by Nick Pironio

More than 1,000 people braved cold and gusty winds Dec. 7 to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe in a colorful downtown procession. The celebration commemorates the appearance in December 1531 of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, a poor Mexican laborer. Despite the season, roses bloomed at the site of the appearance and are now a hallmark of the day. The Sacred Heart Cathedral event included a Spanish Mass, images of the Virgin Mary, colorful roses, costumed dancers, and celebrants with flags from their native countries.