Our Lady of Zapopan traveling statue arrives at St. Anne Church in North Little Rock July 27. Three Franciscan friars accompanied the statue from Jalisco, Mexico. Dwain Hebda photo

A drummer sets the tone for the parish Aztec dance troupe, which participated during Mass at St. Anne Church. Dwain Hebda photo

Brightly costumed Aztec dance troupes such as this one are common fixtures during church special occasions and holidays. Dwain Hebda photo

While the traveling version of the statue tours widely, this was the first visit to the state of Arkansas. Dwain Hebda photo

At the conclusion of Mass, parishioners were invited to come forward to venerate the statue. Dwain Hebda photo

Each parishioner received a special prayer card in Spanish featuring Our Lady of Zapopan. Dwain Hebda photo

St. Anne Church was one of 19 Catholic churches in Arkansas that made up the statue's two-week itinerary. Dwain Hebda photo

Parishioners of all ages attended Masses featuring the statue, many of which were accompanied by rosaries, confession and other Catholic ministries. Dwain Hebda photo

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Our Lady of Zapopan statue makes first visit to state

Traveling version of Mexican statue makes stops at 19 Catholic churches during tour

Published: August 9, 2014

By Dwain Hebda
Associate Editor

Dwain Hebda

Dwain Hebda

Hispanic parishioners at St. Anne Church in North Little Rock venerate the traveling statue of Our Lady of Zapopan following Spanish Mass there July 27.

The statue, a replica of the original on display at the Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan in Jalisco, Mexico, was making its first visit to Arkansas. Our Lady of Zapopan (pronounced sa-PO-pan) is a highly revered image of the Blessed Mother, who is the patroness of the city and whose miraculous protection is invoked in times of epidemics, storms and lightning. Every year, since 1734, there are processions of the statue around Jalisco from June to October.

The Arkansas tour ran from July 19 to Aug. 3 with stops at 19 Catholic churches in the diocese, escorted by three Franciscan friars from Mexico.

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