Bonham, Texas -- Just as the fog lifted and the sun peaked through the clouds, a Sunday morning procession slowly made its way along West 5th Street, down North Main Street and then along 10th Street to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Bonham on December 15, 2019, to honor Virgen de Guadalupe, Juan Diego's sacred vision of the Virgin Mary on December 9, 1531.

Many have called Virgen de Guadalupe the most popular religious image in Mexico and the event in Bonham drew participants from communities across North Texas.

Along with dance troupes and colorful floats, dozens of people walked along the route to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church.

Roses are an intregral part of the 16th century Roman Catholic icon.  Traditional Catholic accounts tell of Juan Diego's vision of a young Virgin Mary and her request for a church to be built at the site.  When the Spanish Bishop asked for proof of Juan Diego's apparition, he returned with roses even though it was wintertime.

photos by Allen Rich