Local News

After the 5:30 a.m. Mass some of the children and parents gathered in the parish chapel. Paco Garcia, background with arms extended, leads a special prayer for the intention and protection of children. They also prayed for Jorelys Rivera, the 7-year-old Canton girl who was raped, beaten and stabbed to death earlier this month. (Photos by Michael Alexander)

Sarai Chavira, 12, brings up a basket of flowers during the offertory procession of the 5:30 a.m. Mass Dec. 12 in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Alpharetta.

The parents of 2-year-old Olga Medina try to convince her to capture the action during the dramatic presentation surrounding the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The only problem is the action is taking place behind her, so she ends up photographing her parents.

Miguel Castro prostrates himself before the altar during the consecration at the Dec. 12 liturgy. Castro played the uncle of Juan Diego in the skit following Mass depicting the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Juan Diego, played by Roberto Carrillo, displays the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe as he unfurls his outer garment.

Father Roberto Herrera, parochial vicar at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, elevates the body and blood of Christ during The Great Amen.