“Our Lady of Guadalupe” in the Vatican Gardens – Preservation Event – March 12th, 2015
The event was held at the Cuchara Mexico City Bistro, in Houston, Texas on March 12th 2015. It was
a wonderful and festive evening in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Her restoration project.
Fr. Mark Haydu, of the Vatican Museums in Rome, gave a very interesting presentation regarding
the monument of “Our Lady of Guadalupe” situated in the Vatican Gardens and also described the state of the monuments condition and the preservation steps required to halt the deterioration process and conserve for the long term future.
Sergio A. Castillo, of the Archdiocesan Association of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Director for the Office of Hispanic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, gave a riveting historical synopsis of the history of the Feast day, March 12th and of Our Lady’s apparition which was miraculously revealed in Mexico City 1531.
Father Nathaniel Haslam gave the exciting details of the Texas Chapter’s upcoming trip to Rome, October 4th 2015. Father described the tour of ancient Christian Rome, including the Coliseum, Capital Hill, the Roman Forum and Michelangelo’s statue of Moses at St. Peter. This wonderful trip includes the Papal Audience, a Gala Dinner at the Vatican and so much more.
The evening was delightful as more and more Patrons arrived bringing prospective Patrons, family and friends. The Cuchara Bistro, a fun and festive restaurant, had prepared dinner and drinks in authentic El Tepeyac cuisine, from the region of St. Juan Diego’s vision during the year 1531. Spices, food types and drinks were recreated and presented as experienced by Pilgrims who visited the Shrine near Mexico City. Mr. Mark Hotze, President of the Texas Chapter of The Patrons, presented Fr. Mark Haydu with a check for $75,000 to begin the renovation process for Our Lady of Guadalupe on behalf of the Texas Chapter. Many of our the Patrons donated towards this restoration project as well as pledged funds. The President and Board Members would like to thank all who participated and hope to see everyone at future events!
Jennifer Wycoff