Our Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most beautiful gifts that Our Lord Jesus Christ gave us. We love her because she is protecting us and praying for all of us before Our Heavenly Father. We, as the Catholic Church, honor her through many of her names: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of the Rosary, Our Lady of the Lakes, The Immaculate Conception, and so on. The title of Immaculate Conception is very important for all Americans because she is the patroness of this beautiful country, and for all Colombians. In Colombia, the day of the Immaculate Conception has a lot of celebrations, such as First Communions, parties, and different celebrations. One of these celebrations is call La Noche de las Velitas.
La Noche de las Velitas or the Night of the Little Candles is one of the most observed traditional holidays in Colombia. It is celebrated on December 7 & 8, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is a public holiday in Colombia. This day is the unofficial start of the Christmas season in the country. On this day, people place candles and paper lanterns on windowsills, balconies, porches, sidewalks, streets, parks and squares; in short, everywhere they can be seen, in honor of the Virgin Mary and her Immaculate Conception. On December 8 it is customary for houses to hoist a white flag with the image of the Virgin Mary all day. They also hold numerous events, from firework shows to competitions.
We will celebrate the Night of the Little Candles on December 8 at 5:30 pm.
Please, join me in this Colombian tradition in honor of our Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary and her Immaculate Conception. Besides this celebration, after Mass, I will share the Colombian traditional dessert for Christmas. Feel free to bring something to share in this gathering after the celebration. Come and participate in this beautiful Colombian tradition.
I am sharing with you some of the photos of this celebration of the different parishes I have been celebrating this Colombian tradition.
All are welcome!
God bless you, and may the Blessed Virgin Mary be with you always!
Fr. Jorge Ramirez
