On December 12, thousands of Catholics from all over Mexico and Texas lined up at the Cathedral in Dallas to celebrate the Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
They crowded into the church for Midnight Mass to pray, and to catch a glimpse of the Aztec Indian dancers known as "Matachines." They performed their ancient dance (a form of prayer) in honor of "La Morenita," the dark skinned Madonna.
The Virgin of Guadalupe is a figure in the Catholic religion of the Indigenous people of Mexico. Her story goes back to 1531 when she appeared to a poor Indian named Juan Diego on the foothills of Mexico City.
The Virgin is loved and adored by many who's traditions extend to both sides of the border passed on from generation to generation.
Many will continue this tradition of coming to pay homage to The Virgin of Guadalupe. Followers walk away happy that they have seen her.. prayed to her.. asked her for miracles and have had their faith rekindled by her.