By J. D. McNamara, D.Min.
For 575magazine.com
LAS CRUCES — Nov. 15 in Las Cruces began with bright sun and cool temperatures – a perfect setting for the annual Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces’ Mariachi Mass held at the Pan American Center on the campus of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.
Several thousand persons were in attendance for the colorful liturgical ceremony that featured matachines, Aztec dancers, and the music of Epcot Center’s Mariachi Cobre as well as mariachis from Deming, under the direction of local composer and teacher Al Valverde.
As always, Las Cruces’ Bishop Ricardo Ramírez presided, accompanied by several priests and deacons. This year in his homily, Bishop Ramírez emphasized the need of the Diocese of Las Cruces to tend to the needs of an increasing number of retired diocesan priests. Indeed, some of the proceeds coming from the current diocesan capital campaign are earmarked for exactly that use. He also commented on the diocese’s recent loss with the untimely death of Fr. Virgilio Flores, who succumbed to injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Silver City. This year’s Mariachi Mass was celebrated in memory of Fr. Flores.
As in past years, this event was designed and directed with the help of diocesan staff and hundreds of lay volunteers under the careful scrutiny of Sister Lucy Meissen, C.PP.S., director of the Diocesan Office of Liturgical Education, Art and Environment.
