SAN JUAN — As the bells at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine tolled Monday evening, parishioners trickled in through its large doors awaiting the start of the 5:30 p.m. Mass.
The altar of the Basilica was decorated with pink flowers. To the side of the altar was a depiction of Juan Diego and the Virgen de Guadalupe. The display was surrounded by hundreds of red, pink, yellow and white roses, as well as dozens of bouquets left by worshipers.
“Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most well-attended feasts in the Basilica,” Father Jorge Gomez, rector of the Basilica, said Monday.
Fernando Perez, 7, dressed as Juan Diego carries a candle as worshipers honor the Virgin de Guadalupe during a religious feast day at the Basilica Of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in San Juan. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])Worshipers pray as they honor the Virgin de Guadalupe on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in San Juan. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])An image of the Virgin de Guadalupe is carried during a religious feast day at the Basilica Of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in San Juan. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])A statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe is brought to the at the Basilica Of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine to be blessed during a religious feast day on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in San Juan. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])Worshipers pray as they honor the Virgin de Guadalupe during a religious feast day at the Basilica Of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in San Juan. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])A statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe is carried down the street during a religious feast day at the Basilica Of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in San Juan. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])Worshipers honor the Virgin of Guadalupe during a religious feast day at the Basilica Of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in San Juan. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])An image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is adorned with flowers brought by worshippers during a religious feast day at the Basilica Of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in San Juan. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])Ariel Zorano, 7, carries a small statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe during a religious feast day at the Basilica Of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in San Juan. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])Catholic priest Fr. Jorge A. Gómez conducts service as worshipers honor the Virgin of Guadalupe during a religious feast day at the Basilica Of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in San Juan. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])
