Bishop Edmond Carmody, Father Henry Artunduaga, rector of the new shrine and Father Jose Luis Aceves Gonzales, rector of the Basilica in Mexico, are pictured here before the enthronement of the Image of Nuestra Senora de San Juan de los Lagos on Feb. 7. Organizers say that the Shrine will be used as a religious sanctuary for the faithful, and a place for renewal and healing. Many who attended the event accredited Our Lady of San Juan for the healing of their loved ones. Monica Cervantes, parishioner at Our Lady of Pilar, spoke of her daughter who had been born with two holes in her heart. Doctors told her that she would not live for more than 6 months, but by praying to Our Lady of San Juan, her daughter, now 16 years-old is healthy. "Our Lady has done wonderful and great things for our family," she said.

Over 3,000 people gathered for the February 7 dedication Mass for the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de San Juan de Los Lagos, located at the site formerly known as My Father's House.

Bishop Edmond Carmody presided at the liturgy which was concelebrated by other priests including the rector of the new shrine, Father Henry Artunuaga, and Father Jose Luis Aceves Gonzales, rector of the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos in Mexico.

"I don't think the organizers expected this large of a crowd," said Patricio Flores from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. "I came here today for the love Our Lady… I did not need any other reason."

Organizers say that the shrine will be used as a religious sanctuary for the faithful, and a place for renewal and healing.

Weekend Masses will be celebrated each Saturday at 7:30 a.m. in Spanish, 6 p.m. in Spanish. Each Sunday Mass will be celebrate at 8 a.m. in Spanish, 10 a.m. in English, 12 noon and 6 p.m. in Spanish. Confessions are Saturday from 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Sundays 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Many who attended the dedication credited Our Lady of San Juan for the healing of their loved ones. Monica Cervantes, parishioner at Our Lady of Pilar, spoke of her daughter who had been born with two holes in her heart. Doctors told her that she would not live for more than 6 months, but by praying to Our Lady of San Juan, her daughter, now 16 years-old is healthy. "Our Lady has done wonderful and great things for our family," she said.

Joseph Huerta, son of the late Albert Huerta, and other family members, presented the offertory gifts to Bishop Carmody during the Mass.

The Huertas donated 55 acres to the Diocese of Corpus Christi on the site where Albert Huerta began a healing ministry, known as My Father's House, 12 years ago following Joseph's recovery from a coma caused by a serious skiing accident. The healing ministry will continue at the new shrine.

Fred Garza, a parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle, volunteered to be in charge of the grounds for the event. He said many people from area parishes, including the Hispanic Marriage Encounter program, volunteered to help.

"This event is very special for a lot of people. This was a healing ground. Special needs and promises have been made to Mary and God at this healing ground. We do not want the healing to stop. We can now continue the faith healing and have Our Lady of San Juan closer to home," said Garza.

Eloy Barrera Soza, a parishioner of Corpus Christi Cathedral, came out to the event to keep a promise and to continue in the tradition of his parents, Virginia Barrera de Soza and Crisanto Guerra Soza, who paid a visit to Our Lady of San Juan De Los Lagos, Mexico, in 1946, after a successful kidney operation undergone by his father that same year. Soza said it was now his turn to ask for prayer and give thanks, "I introduced myself (to Our Lady) as the son of that faithful devout couple."