Quinceaneras are a Mexican custom where a 15 year old girl has a  prenuptial or marriage rehearsal with brides maids and best young men. The young men wear tuxedos while the women wear gowns. During the ceremony the future bride presents a bouquet of flowers to Our Lady of Guadalupe as a token and vow to remain a virgin until she marries.

St Joseph’s was my parish and I was there when they started the changes in 1971. I suggested to the Fathers there, that they leave the Tabernacle and candle stands on the altar and they did, that is, until just 3 years ago. I can remember when they took the statutes out and brought in the rock groups.

However, over the years the neighborhood changed as the Hispanics moved in and new Fathers brought the statues back into the Church. I would visit once in a while and light a candle at the Mary’s section of the church, It’s almost like a small Cathedral.

Anyways, during this visit I saw a Quinceanera group standing outside the Church but I never saw the gown that this bride had on so I got to take her picture for all to see.

The Irony is that I helped established the Traditional St. Joseph’s Church in Las Vegas where I first learned about these Quinceaneras for the fist time.
Grace be with you, in Christ, Joseph