Discover a personal reflection on the March With Mary project—how small roles, from driving trucks to storing roses, hold deep spiritual meaning when keeping eyes on Mary, who always leads us to Jesus.
Bringing Mary to the Streets: A Faith Encounter at the Cinco de Mayo Parade
Bringing Mary to the Streets: A Faith Encounter at the Cinco de Mayo Parade
by Guillermo Schroeder
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My name is Guillermo, an Argentine immigrant and active member of St. Stephen’s Parish in Anoka, Minnesota. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of participating in the Cinco de Mayo parade, carrying the image of Our Lady of Fátima in procession in St Paul. It was a deeply moving and, to be honest, unexpected experience.
When I was first invited to participate, I was a bit surprised. After all, the Cinco de Mayo parade is not a religious event. However, I am convinced that, as Catholics, we are called to be a “Church that goes forth,” as Pope Francis used to encourage us—a Church that brings its faith, symbols, prayers, and service to every corner of the community, from homes and hospitals to parades and public celebrations.
When we arrived at the event, my doubts remained. In front of us was a group of motorcyclists in leather jackets, with striking tattoos and loud bikes. Behind us, a hip-hop dance group was getting ready with very loud music. I felt a bit out of place. But everything changed once we began to walk into the parade.
The image of Our Lady of Fátima, so serene and beautiful, captured everyone’s attention as we passed. We, who were carrying her, became almost invisible. People weren’t looking at us—they were encountering Her. It was deeply moving to see how, in the midst of all that noise, many people stopped, held hands to pray as a family, brought their children or grandchildren closer to see the Virgin, and even shed tears of emotion.
The parade lasted just over an hour, but it became a true spiritual encounter. In the midst of the roar of motorcycles and loud music—aren’t those the sounds of our daily lives?—Mary made herself present, bringing peace, comfort, and hope. It was a moment of grace, both for those who saw her and for us, the humble and silent bearers of her image.
I want to especially thank the Knights of Columbus for their vision and commitment in organizing these kinds of initiatives. Thank you for bringing the Virgin to places where there are often no visible signs of our faith, but where hearts are thirsty for God.
I encourage all parishes, especially our Latino communities, who have such deep devotion to the Virgin, not to miss these opportunities. Let us go out into the streets and share our faith with joy and humility. Because when Mary walks with us, the world is transformed—with more peace, more love, and more hope. Amen.
Llevar a María a las Calles: Un Encuentro de Fe en el Desfile del 5 de Mayo
Por Guillermo Schroeder, feligrés de la Parroquia San Esteban, Anoka, Minnesota
Soy Guillermo, inmigrante argentino y miembro activo de la Parroquia de San Esteban en Anoka, Minnesota. Hace unas semanas tuve el privilegio de participar en el desfile del 5 de Mayo, llevando en procesión la imagen de Nuestra Señora de Fátima. Fue una experiencia profundamente conmovedora y, para ser sincero, inesperada.
Cuando me invitaron a participar, me sorprendió un poco. Después de todo, el desfile del 5 de Mayo no es un evento religioso. Sin embargo, estoy convencido de que, como católicos, estamos llamados a tener una Iglesia "en salida", como nos animaba el Papa Francisco: una Iglesia que lleva su fe, sus símbolos, sus oraciones y su servicio al prójimo a todos los rincones de la comunidad --desde los hogares y hospitales, hasta los desfiles y celebraciones populares.
Al llegar al evento, mis dudas persistían. Frente a nosotros se alineó un grupo de motociclistas con chaquetas de cuero, tatuajes llamativos y rostros de "pocos amigos". Detrás, un grupo de bailarines de hip-hop se preparaba con música a todo volumen. Me sentía un poco fuera de lugar. Pero todo cambió cuando comenzamos a desfilar.
La imagen de la Virgen María de Fátima, tan serena y hermosa, captó la atención de todos a su paso. Nosotros, quienes la cargábamos, nos volvimos casi invisibles. La gente no nos miraba a nosotros, sino que se encontraba con Ella. Fue profundamente emocionante ver cómo, en medio del bullicio, muchas personas se detenían, se tomaban de las manos para orar en familia, acercaban a sus hijos o nietos para ver de cerca a la Virgen, e incluso algunos lloraban conmovidos.
El desfile duró poco más de una hora, pero fue un verdadero encuentro espiritual. En medio del ruido de las motos y la música --¿no son acaso reflejo del ruido cotidiano de nuestras vidas?--, María se hizo presente, trayendo paz, consuelo y esperanza. Fue un momento de gracia, tanto para quienes la contemplaban como para nosotros, los portadores silenciosos y humildes de su imagen.
Quiero agradecer especialmente a los Caballeros de Colón por su visión y compromiso al organizar este tipo de iniciativas. Gracias por llevar a la Virgen a lugares donde muchas veces no hay signos visibles de nuestra fe, pero donde hay corazones sedientos de Dios.
Animo a todas las parroquias, especialmente a nuestras comunidades latinas, tan devotas de la Virgen, a no dejar pasar estas oportunidades. Salgamos a las calles, llevemos nuestra fe con alegría y humildad. Porque cuando María camina con nosotros, el mundo se transforma: hay más paz, más amor, y más esperanza. Amen
Guillermo's experience at the Cinco de Mayo parade reminds us that faith can flourish in unexpected places. Have you ever witnessed or been part of a similar moment where your faith, or the faith of others, shone brightly in a public or surprising setting?
We'd love to hear your stories! Share your thoughts, reflections, or personal anecdotes in the comments below. Let's continue this conversation about bringing our faith to the streets, just as Mary did!
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