The aisles and altar of St. Mary’s Catholic Church were lovingly bedecked for the Christmas season as acolytes and eager parishioners processed into the sanctuary. Behind them, deacon and priest ushered in the bishop of the diocese, who was on hand for this very special day.
Visitors and family members and whispered greetings of “Como estas?” among hugs and smiles as the filled the pews.
On December 12, the third Sunday of Advent and also the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Catholic tradition, Bishop Robert M. Coerver of the Lubbock diocese led an afternoon mass for the blessing of the newly renovated sanctuary. The feast day was chosen particularly for this event, said Bishop Coerver, because of its significance to the largely Hispanic congregation.
A brightly decorated altar to the Virgin of Guadalupe had been set up to the left of the altar, and children brought red roses to add to the candles and colorful altar cloths.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe, is a Catholic title of Mary, mother of Jesus associated with a series of five Marian apparitions in December 1531, and a venerated image on a cloak enshrined within the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
“There is added cause for joy as we bless this newly renovated church,” said Bishop Coerver in his message.
Beginning last spring, a team from St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Lampasas, Texas—many of whom have longstanding family connections to Spur—came to Spur on multiple occasions to repair and update the 65-year-old building. New lighting, stucco work, paint and structural improvements, new flooring, and plumbing repairs were all completed. Flowers were planted. All costs of the renovation were provided by the Austin Knights of Columbus, according to parish member Anita Brito.
In addition, a dozen new stained-glass windows were provided through donations.
The windows shone Sunday with early afternoon sunshine, echoing colors of purple vestments, and pink and purple advent candles, as the newly painted walls reflected light onto every surface. The bishop walked each aisle to bless walls and worshipers, sprinkling all with holy water. The updated sanctuary was at once humble in its simplicity and uplifting in its brightness.
“We are called to be joyful,” said Father Jeganathan Arulsamy in his benediction. Father Jegan, as he is popularly known, recalled the days when he first came to serve the parish, when only a handful of people came to take part in mass. And now, the numbers of who join their voices in song and prayer and take part in the sacrament of communion have grown.
Following the recessional, Bishop Coerver, Father Jegan, and deacon Eddie Morales greeted congregants of all ages on their way to a covered-dish meal in the parish hall.
St. Mary’s is located at 402 East 6th St. in Spur. Mass is said at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays. All are welcome.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.
