The annual archdiocesan celebration in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe marks its 75th anniversary when it takes place Dec. 3 in East Los Angeles.

Cardinal Roger Mahony and Catholics from throughout the greater Los Angeles area will gather for the area's oldest religious procession beginning at noon. The celebration recalls the miraculous apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Saint Juan Diego at Tepeyac, Mexico in December 1531, when she left her image on his "tilma" or cloak. For more than four decades, her image has been a symbol of peace and compassion for people around the world.

Bishop John J. Cantwell, as head of the Diocese of Los Angeles-San Diego, inaugurated the first Guadalupe procession in 1930, a time when hundreds of thousands of Mexicans sought refuge from religious persecution in their country and fled to El Paso and Los Angeles.

"The Virgin of Guadalupe brought compassion and peace during a time of conflict and turmoil," said Cardinal Mahony. "She continues to unite us as a humble people of God in search for understanding, compassion and peace for all. May her blessings come upon us and our loved ones, especially those who are far from home at war during this holiday season."

All are invited to take part in the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual celebration. The mile-long procession will begin at La Soledad Church, at 4561 Cesar Chavez Ave., near the corner of Cesar Chavez and the Long Beach Freeway (710). The procession will end at the East Los Angeles College Stadium, 1301 Cesar Chavez Ave., in Monterey Park.

At the front of the procession will be the venerated "Peregrina" image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is an exact digital reproduction of the original in Mexico City, Mexico. Parish groups from different ethnic communities within the Archdiocese, decorated floats and indigenous dancers will escort the "Peregrina" image.

Following the procession, Cardinal Mahony will celebrate a special liturgy, which will feature mariachis, bandas, dances, hymns and poems typical to celebrations in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

For more information, call Resurrection Church at (323) 268-1141.