Greeley – Hundreds of Greeley residents attended Mass on Tuesday evening celebrating a Mexican religious holiday, but the celebration was somber, overshadowed by events down the street earlier in the day.
Father Mario Ramirez of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church encouraged the congregation, which flowed out the door, to take strength in the virgin of Guadalupe on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
“We want to say to all the families, friends and neighbors who suffered a loss today that God and the Sacred Virgin are with them,” Ramirez said.
The service was marked by prayer, hand-holding and traditional Mexican songs led by a folk band.
Throughout the day, relatives and friends affected by the raid at the Swift plant visited the church to pray, take comfort in the company of others and weep.
“This Mass is very important to me,” said Lorenza Hernandez. “I will pray for everyone who was taken away and for their children.”
Earlier in the evening, a large crowd gathered outside the church around a group of dancers in traditional Mexican dress celebrating the holiday.
The story of Guadalupe goes back to 1531 when Mexican peasant Juan Diego is said to have seen a vision of the Virgin Mary. The day is an important religious holiday in Mexico.
Parishioners said they were upset by the raid and the effect it will have on families. But they disagreed on whether the government is doing the right thing.
“I feel pretty bad about it,” said Martin Rosales. “But my family and I try to set a good example. You have to live by the rules.”
Francisco Granados called the raid “government terrorism.”
“There are 300 families who don’t know what is going to happen,” he said. “This is supposed to be a happy day. Instead, it is a sad day.”
Staff writer Greg Griffin can be reached at 303-954-1241 or ggriffin@denverpost.com.
