Mariachi America plays Sacred Heart

The 5 p.m. service at Waseca’s Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, Dec. 13 featured “Mariachi America,” an authentic mariachi band, helping celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  These six, well-dressed musicians certainly brought their A-game, and a bunch of melodies with them. Mass was led by Father Glenn Frerichs.

 

Instruments included, among others, a violin and a guira. That's the musical instrument that looks like a wood file but plays and sounds similar to a washboard. There were two guitars, one oversized and another a little larger than a ukulele. The big guitar was called a guitarron, the smaller is called a vihuela. Two group members were vocalists only; all others played instruments and used their voices. 

 

According to Frerichs, “December 12 is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Apparitions of Mary have abounded throughout the world during the past several hundred years. Our Lady is recognized under many titles: Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Good Success, and more. Our Lady of Guadalupe holds a significant place for the people of North and South America. Over the centuries, she has been seen as an advocate and intercessor for the people of all the Americas. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.”

 

During the service, more than one head was seen to be bobbing along with the music, which was entertaining and made the mass fly by. After the service, the musicians moved down to the basement to play for the church goers having their dinner saying, “We’re here to play until 8 p.m.” They did take just a few moments to answer a few questions.

 

When asked how many times they’ve played at Sacred Heart they answered, “Six, we’ve been coming here for six years, and we hope to continue with it next year.” How long have you guys been together, “Four years.” Where are you based out of? “St. Paul” They were also asked the names of the songs they were playing. “We play the standard music that comes with the average mass.” They were quick to end the conversation because there was music to play downstairs, and they wanted to play it.

 

It was only 1 degree on Saturday night outside, but down in the church basement it was nice and warm. A free-will dinner offered chicken tortillas, beef tamales, refried beans, Mexican rice and beverages, all provided by El Molino restaurant in Waseca. As people got their food and found their seats, Mariachi America began playing, this time a little softer so people could enjoy the show while they dined.

 

Bishop Barron will be awarding the Bishop’s Medal to Bill FitzSimmons at the 5 p.m. service on Saturday, Dec. 20. There will be refreshments in the church basement after mass.