by William J. Bechaver
AGUILAR- Last Friday, Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Aguilar hosted a celebration in commemoration of The Solemnity of the Birth of the Virgin Mary.
The celebration has become an annual event for the parish. Attendance at this year’s celebration was lighter than in the past, though only slightly. As well as parishioners from Aguilar, others came from as far away as Christ The King Church in La Veta and Sacred Heart Church in Gardner. Also attending were parishioners from Saint Mary in Walsenburg and Holy Trinity Parish in Trinidad.
At the onset, a procession of youth and ladies from the parishes presented bouquets and vases of roses, which were arrayed at the feet of a beautiful statue of Our Lady situated at the front of the church. Music was provided by the talented instrumentalists and vocalists from the Spanish Music Choir of Saint Mary’s in Walsenburg. Father Phil Coury, C.M., Pastor of Aguilar celebrated the special evening Mass assisted by Father Chris Adinuba, Pastor of Walsenburg. Together, both pastors tend to the parishes of Walsenburg, Aguilar, Gardner, and La Veta.
Following the celebration of the Mass, people were invited to a potluck banquet held in Saint Anthony’s parish hall. There was food, fellowship, and fun for area families and youth. Parishioners are hopeful that the word will spread and that attendance will increase from year to year so that many more will join in the special parish events available throughout the liturgical year.
