Christmas frenzy must not overshadow other church feasts, priest says

Published: 2005-12-15

GALLUP, N.M. (CNS) -- A Franciscan priest in Gallup is working to reconnect his parishioners with the religious significance of the Dec. 12 feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which he feels is often overshadowed by the commercialization of Christmas. Franciscan Father Eduardo "Lalo" Espinosa Chacon, associate pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Gallup, said the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe has lost much of its significance in America, unlike his native Mexico, where many schools and businesses are closed to observe the day. "The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8) are not commercial events such as Christmas or Easter, which I feel contributes to the lack of recognition these important days receive," said Father Espinosa Chacon. He said he is concerned about how the icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe is often displayed. When young people display the image on T-shirts and in tattoos, using it as an ethnic or even a gang symbol, the religious meaning is lost, he said.

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