SAN ANTONIO • Our Lady of Guadalupe Church celebrated a special Mass on July 16 in thanksgiving for the successful renovation of the regional shrine completed earlier this year.
    Archbishop Emeritus Patrick F. Flores was the celebrant for the Mass of gratitude, which was concelebrated by Father Martin L. Elsner, SJ, pastor; Father James L. Lambert, SJ, parochial vicar; and Msgr. Lawrence J. Stuebben, vicar general of the archdiocese.
    A reception followed the liturgy at the Progresso Community Center.
    According to Father Elsner, the renovation and redecoration of the shrine actually began more than 15 years ago. To complement the stained glass windows already in place, 12 new stained glass windows for the sanctuary were designed and constructed by Al Medina of De Medina Galleries. Using symbols that were originally designed by Rudy Garcia of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Program, Medina began installation of the windows in 1989.
    In the jubilee year of 2000, it was decided to add one more window to the original set. Medina again designed and constructed the new artwork, which is the circular rose window high on the bell tower of the church’s facade. The Castilian roses depicted in the window represent the parish’s gift to Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

    This past January, renovations began at the parish, and a temporary chapel was established in the parish hall. Three and a half months of construction followed, which encompassed electrical work, upgrades of heating and cooling systems, restoration of statues, the placement of ceramic floor tiles and installation of new pews.
    An abundance of symbolism is present in the renovated sanctuary. The new ceiling color represents the blue sky, God’s heavens and the golden yellow of the sun, while the tan colored ceramic floor tiles symbolize the earth. Traditional medallions and the Easter lily — the fleur-de-lis — are painted on the walls to signify the resurrection of Jesus.
    The first Mass in the newly reopened church was celebrated in May, on Mother’s Day, by Archbishop José H. Gomez.

    As to the reasons for the restoration work, the pastor pointed to the motto of the Jesuits, which was painted on the choir loft at the sanctuary, “Ad majorem Dei gloriam,” a Latin phrase which means “All for the greater glory of God.”
    In his homily, Archbishop Flores urged attendees to contribute to the renovation project, saying it was not just an effort of the Jesuits or parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
    To demonstrate that he practices what he preaches, the retired archbishop then called Father Elsner forward and presented him with a check for $5,000, which was followed by enthusiastic applause from the congregation.
    “I’ve been coming here for the past 40 years, and I find the church more pleasant and beautiful today then ever before. This shrine to the Blessed Mother should be a source of pride and joy for us all,” said Archbishop Flores. The archbishop encouraged everyone to get involved in the work of the parish, bringing people to Mary and Jesus. “People should never stop coming,” he said. “We should help to enhance what is taking place. Work in any way to enhance it, not degrade it. We should all work to enhance the good projects of others. We are to help people who need our assistance.”

    To make pledges to the renovation project, write to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1321 El Paso St., San Antonio, Texas 78207, or call (210) 226-4064.