The Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce that The Most Rev. Oscar Cantú, Bishop of Las Cruces, will be celebrating his first Las Cruces International Mariachi Mass
Las Cruces, November 7, 2013: The Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces Foundation is pleased to announce the Twentieth Anniversary, International Mariachi Conference Mass. The Mass will take place on November 24, 2013 at 8:45 a.m. at the Pan American Center, New Mexico State University.
This will be Bishop Cantú’s first opportunity to celebrate this sacred Mariachi Mass. It is a Roman Catholic celebration of the Eucharist. The Mariachi Mass is the heart and soul of the annual Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference. This Mass integrates liturgical music in mariachi style, ballet folkloric dancers, and all the liturgical ministries of readers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, hospitality, and processions. Coming as it does on the last day of the conference, it is the perfect time for the community to come together to honor God. At Mass, we will gather to offer thanks, to praise God together for the countless blessings in our lives. We will continue to pray together for peace in our nation and our world.
Each year more than 7,000 people attend this special mass. We expect this sacred Mass will draw the largest crowd in its history. Perhaps this will be the largest celebration of Mass in the state of New Mexico.
The voluntary collection designated for Catholic Charities will benefit charitable work throughout southern New Mexico. Catholic Charities works with individuals, families, groups, and communities to meet their needs, address their issues, eliminate oppression, and build a just and compassionate society.