On 12 December, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Benedict XVI will preside over a special Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica commemorating the bi-centenary of Latin American Independence. Organized by the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, the Liturgy will be enriched with the presence of cardinals and bishops from that part of the world, as well as political figures and diplomatic representatives.
Prior to the Mass, a group of Latin American young people bearing the flags of their countries will march down the main nave of the Basilica, stopping to pay homage to the picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe enshrined at the foot of the altar. The Liturgy will feature several excerpts from Ariel Ramirez’s Misa Criolla.