PATRONESS OF THE AMERICAS -- The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is installed on a huge stage by Father Jaime Molina-Juarez, MNM, parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Smyrna, and members of the parish Hispanic community for their Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration at the Jim Miller Park exposition center, Cobb County.
Photos by Michael Alexander

REENACTMENT -- In a dramatic presentation about Our Lady of Guadalupe, Juan Diego and the Virgin are portrayed by Ramiro Xocotencatl and Yvette Gonzalez, respectively. The apparition of the “Lady from Heaven” took place in 1531 just outside Mexico City at Tepeyac hill. Serving as an angel is Natalia Plasencia.

SALUTE -- Ismael Diaz stands at attention in the parking lot of Holy Trinity Church, Peachtree City, as the cultural celebration gets underway before the Dec. 9 Mass honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. Parishioners Salvador and Lydia Gonzalez coordinated the Mass and program.

YOUNG MEXICANS -- Zaira Diaz, 3, left, and Oscar Alvarado, 2, stand in front of Holy Trinity Church, Peachtree City, as the parish celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe.

A WALK WITH OUR LADY -- Holding an image of Blessed Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Ramiro Xocotencatl leads a procession through the parking lot of Holy Trinity Church, Peachtree City. Xocotencatl is immediately followed by (l-r) Deacon Anthony Cuomo, Father John Walsh, pastor, and parochial vicars Father Fabio Sotelo-Peña and Father Kevin Peek. The Knights of Columbus honor guard and the congregation follow them