Ecuadorian Catholics celebrate special devotion to Mary

Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 4432 N. Troy St., celebrated a Mass in honor of Nuestra Señora Virgen de la Nube (Our Lady of the Cloud) as part of an annual Ecuadorian community celebration on Jan. 1, 2025. Bishop Mark Bartosic and Father Thomas Byrne, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, concelebrated the Mass. The parish is home to a large Ecuadorian community, which holds a deep connection to Our Lady of the Cloud, a reverend saint in Ecuador. This tradition has been observed for over 20 years, with more than 1,400 people attending the Mass each year. It includes prayers in people's homes throughout the year, culminating in this special Mass and a procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Women process down the aisle in ethnic attire. Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 4432 N. Troy St., celebrated a Mass in honor of Nuestra Señora Virgen de la Nube (Our Lady of the Cloud) as part of an annual Ecuadorian community celebration on Jan. 1, 2025. Bishop Mark Bartosic and Father Thomas Byrne, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, concelebrated the Mass. The parish is home to a large Ecuadorian community, which holds a deep connection to Our Lady of the Cloud, a reverend saint in Ecuador. This tradition has been observed for over 20 years, with more than 1,400 people attending the Mass each year. It includes prayers in people's homes throughout the year, culminating in this special Mass and a procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Women carry the statue of Our Lady of the Cloud. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The choir leads the congregation in song. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Bishop Mark Bartosic gestures to the statue of Mary during his homily. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
People pray during the Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Women dressed in ethnic attire pray at the altar. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
People pack the church for Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Bishop Bartosic distributes Communion. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

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