Sheriff Conducts Virgin of Guadalupe Service in Women's Prison

11/27: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Inmate Services Bureau/Religious and Volunteer Service hosted the "Virgen de Guadalupe Peregrina" service.

Catholic Chaplains conducted a special service for women inmates at Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF) on Sunday, November 27, 2016. The annual celebration commemorating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe recalls the miraculous apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Saint Juan Diego at Cerro del Tepeyac (Tepeyac Hill), Mexico City, in December 1531, when she left her image on his "tilma" or cloak. Her image has been a symbol of unity, peace, compassion, and hope for people around the world.

A traveling portrait of Virgen de Guadalupe Peregrina was on display at the jail facility and viewed by many inmates who participated in the service. The traveling portrait was blessed by Pope John Paul II in Mexico and made available to those who are unable to visit the original portrait located in the Basilica of Mexico City, in the northern neighborhood of Villa de Guadalupe Hidalgo (or "la Villa").

This visit is part of the image pilgrimage throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles heading to the 85th Anniversary Procession and Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Sunday December 4, 2016, in East Los Angeles.

Through the Religious and Volunteer Services Unit (RVS), qualified and devoted individuals provide programs and services to inmates and their families, which enhance their lives during incarceration and support them upon reentry into the community.

For more information please visit: http://www.la-archdiocese.org/events/guadalupe/Pages/default.aspx