Cardinal Alvaro Ramazzini visits the Riverside Mayan community

On Sunday, July 23, Cardinal Alvaro Ramazzini, Bishop of the Diocese of Huehuetenango in Guatemala, celebrated Mass with the San Pedro Maya community at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Riverside. Cardinal Ramazzini had traveled to Southern California to reconnect with local Mayan communities, many of whom originally hail from his diocese. He had planned on visiting the San Francisco de Asis, Cristo de Esquipulas and Santa Eulalia Maya Communities within our diocese, however, due to political turmoil happening in Guatemala, Cardinal Ramazzini had to return home the evening of July 23. Although it was a brief visit, the community was happy to be with a faith leader who represents their roots. The Cardinal has promised to return to our diocese and complete his visit.