Parishes prepare to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe - and a legislative alert on pending anti-immigrant legislation

Latinos throughout the Philadelphia Archdiocese are preparing for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12).

A major celebration will take place at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul at 18th and the Parkway Sunday, Dec. 11. Processions will start out from St. Thomas Aquinas and Annunciation BVM in South Philadelphia, and from Visitation BVM, St. Michael and St. Peter the Apostle in North Philadelphia, at 7 p.m. As the processions arrive at the Cathedral at 8 p.m. when mariachis and those gathered will serenade Our Lady of Guadalupe with Las Mañanitas - the traditional way to mark the vigil of her feast day. Mass with mariachi music will begin at 9, followed by an indoor procession, a presentation of roses to Our Lady, and refreshments. Join us for this incredibly joyful and festive celebration!

Here's a video snippet from a past celebration of the feast day:

On Dec. 12 itself, at Our Lady of Fatima in Bensalem, the Mañanitas vigil takes place at 5 a.m. A procession takes starts at 6 p.m. and the feast day Mass begins at 8 p.m.

Non fecit taliter omni nationi. ¡Que viva la Morenita!

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Voice your opposition to these two pieces of legislation:

SB 9: SB 9 passed the House State Government Committee on Tuesday and is scheduled for a vote on the House Floor on Monday, Dec. 12. SB 9 would require applicants for a wide range of public benefits to show government-issued ID. The bill's supporters claim that its purpose is to prevent undocumented immigrants from receiving benefits that they are ineligible for - even though there is no evidence that this is happening. Instead, the bill would prevent eligible Pennsylvanians who lack ID from accessing the benefits they need and cost millions in taxpayer dollars to implement. Project H.O.M.E. Philadelphia's tireless advocates for the homeless have opposed this bill precisely because of the anticipated impact on homeless citizens. Click here for an automated form to voice your opposition.

HB 439: On November 15, HB 439 became the first anti-immigrant bill to pass the PA House. HB 439 would require licensing boards and commissions to revoke the license of any business that knowingly hires an unauthorized worker. This could mean that an entire hospital's license could be revoked because of a single undocumented employee. This provision could make employers hesitant to hire foreign-born workers and create an atmosphere of fear and bigotry in the workplace. HB 439 has been committed to the Senate State Government committee. Click here for an automated form to voice your opposition.