Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Sixty-five people from across the United States traveled to Mexico City in early October to participate in a pilgrimage centered on Frank La Rocca’s “Mass of the Americas.” The group, which included singers and non-singers, performed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on October 7, during the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco.

Becca Deaver, choir director for All Saints Parish in Holdrege and a member of the Lincoln Diocese, attended with her mother, Sue Mach. Deaver described the experience as unique and meaningful. “We both love to sing,” Deaver said. “My mom comes and sings in my choir in Holdrege sometimes, and so it was really cool to be able to sing in this kind of a setting and experience the whole thing together.”

Participants came from various locations including Philadelphia, Santa Fe, San Antonio, San Francisco, and a large group from University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). Dr. Richard Carrillo from UNO served as choir director for the pilgrimage. Prior to departure, singers practiced with provided tracks before rehearsing together upon arrival.

The group also performed at the shrine for Blessed Miguel Pro at Mexico City’s Church of the Holy Family on October 8. Reflecting on singing at these venues, Deaver noted: “We could all feel the gravity of being able to sing the piece.”

Archbishop Cordileone commissioned La Rocca—composer-in-residence at Benedict XVI Institute—to write “Mass of the Americas” as a tribute to both Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

Deaver emphasized how special it was to perform at such an important site with La Rocca present: “It was just really powerful to be a part of that. It was very, very moving. When we sang in the basilica, we faced the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and to be able to sing to her image—it makes me emotional just talking about it.”

The Mass included Spanish and Latin texts along with Mexican folk hymns; notably an “Ave Maria” composed in Nahautl—the language spoken by Juan Diego when he encountered Our Lady—was sung by a local soloist.

A professional orchestra joined them for their performances. Deaver described an emotional response among participants after concluding with La Rocca’s arrangement: “The last piece is the ‘Salve Regina,’ and it’s this incredible, majestic piece that Frank wrote,” she said. “When we got done with it I think most of us were sobbing and hugging each other because it was just really a powerful experience for us to all come together.”

Pilgrims also visited cultural sites such as Mexico’s National Museum of Anthropology where they learned about Aztec culture related to symbols found on Juan Diego's tilma.

Deaver expressed gratitude for meeting others who share her passion for sacred music: “Singing is one of my biggest passions…being able to sing this particular Mass setting on the feast…was an incredible experience that I never knew I wanted until I had it.”

Looking ahead, Deaver hopes to join another performance scheduled at Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln on December 12—feast day for Our Lady of Guadalupe—celebrated by Bishop James D. Conley.

This event is part of Project Guadalupe 2031—a series preparing for 500 years since Mary appeared before St. Juan Diego—which will culminate nationwide celebrations leading up to 2031 under leadership from Archbishop Cordileone and Benedict XVI Institute.

Dr. Carrillo will direct musicians again during Lincoln's event; Amy Flamminio will serve as section leader while coordinating logistics for nearly forty musicians participating from across southeast Nebraska dioceses—including vocalists as well as marimba player, violinist and organist.

Flamminio commented on Carrillo's involvement: “We’re really lucky to have him direct…since he was able do it at Basilica…” She also noted her own excitement facilitating preparations alongside Bishop Conley: "I’ve been happy…because bishop was just so excited…and I am really blessed…to help make this happen."

After years following composer La Rocca's work Flamminio added: "He has this incredible sense...so getting...this big Mass by this composer here is really wonderful..."

In addition there will be a presentation by Scott Watts—founder Guadalupe Missions nonprofit—on December 1st at Cathedral open for all interested community members.