The Marian Hour of Prayer program was started on 12/11/2011 at Our Lady of the Americas in Biscoe (Candor), NC. This fairly new church is constructed to look like a Spanish mission and the interior is quite 'traditionally Catholic'. It appears almost as a beacon in the countryside when seen from US 220. It was from here the two icons of Our Lady of Guadalupe began their tours the state of North Carolina over the next two years.

During the 9am English Mass Father Ricardo Sanchez instructed everyone to remain standing after the Gospel. On that queue, Schubert's "Ave Maria" was sung with operatic quality to the accompaniment of organist Gail Summer. A 4th degree honor guard then marched forward followed by the 2 icons. The first was carried by the 'Martyrs of Mexico' Spanish first degree team from Council 12167 in Kannapolis, the seconds was carried by DD's Pete Devlin and Rickie Luc. Thirty teens from both Anglo and Hispanic communities followed with single roses. The two ranks of SK's stopped at the front and saluted as the icons were positioned on easels. Thereafter the kids reverently placed their roses in front of the icons. Once seated the congregation was also presented with a performance of traditional Aztec dancing in costume which also paid reverence to Our Blessed Mother. The first prayer service of the tour, led by Worthy Past State Deputy John Gouldie, then followed the Mass. (Afterwards, several Hispanic parishioners approached the honor guard to inquire about membership.)

The Fourth Degree honor guard provided by District 6 was pulling triple duty this weekend. Some of them took the eastern icon to nearby Juan Diego mission in Robbins for a 1pm service and they'd be with the icon at a prayer service scheduled for 5am the next morning on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Southern Pines.

The western icon proceeded to St Joseph parish in Kannapolis where celebrations were already in full swing for the Feast Day. A prayer and veneration service took place late in the afternoon. A local 4th degree honor guard marched in procession with the icon, Father Al and a great many kids bearing roses for Our Blessed Mother. It was estimated 150 people attended. Before going to other councils in District 6 the icon would be housed in the chapel at St Joseph's for a few days; it remained open from 10am to 8pm during those days for private devotions and veneration.

Fred Burton
Marian Hour Co-Chair
Treas 10615