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Order of the Blessing is Hispanic tradition
The ceremony symbolizes the transition from childhood to adolescence.
YOUNGSTOWN — Today at Immaculate Conception Church, a rite of passage will take place for Grimilda Ocasio-Santiago.
She will participate in the Order of the Blessing on the 15th Birthday ceremony, which will be conducted by Monsignor John A. Zuraw, administrator.
Called the Bendici ≥n al Cumplir Quince A ±os, the ritual marks the passage from childhood to adolescence among several Spanish-speaking countries and Hispanics in the United States, according to information provided by Monsignor Zuraw. He said the ceremony will be part of the Mass at 4 p.m. today.
“I’ve attended several ceremonies,” said Grimilda Ocasio, who shares a first name with her daughter.
“I thought it would be nice to celebrate the tradition. And I had a pleasant surprise that my daughter wanted it.”
Ocasio said her daughter will be the first quincea ±era, the term for the young woman, on her side of the family, which is of Puerto Rican heritage. Preparation depends on custom and Immaculate Conception doesn’t require any formal preparation. Ocasio said she and her daughter have spent some quality one-on-one time talking about the ceremony and its meaning, and focusing on the religious aspect.
“We’ve talked about the importance of God as an anchor in her life,” Ocasio said. “And how this reflects a transition in her life from girl to young lady.”
Ocasio said she and her daughter also have discussed responsibilities and obligations to her family, church and community and how faith plays a role. Ocasio said the invitations to the event mentioned faith, family and friends, and all play role in the ceremony either as observers or participants.
“It’s renewing my commitment to the church,” Grimilda said. “The church is important to me and is a part of my heritage.”
Monsignor Zuraw said the church bulletin has announced the event.
“The parish has been a part of Grimilda’s baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. They will be here to witness and pray for God’s blessing as she makes the transition from child to adult,” he said. Monsignor Zuraw said he has presided at 10 such ceremonies.
In the ceremony for the quincea ±era, Grimilda will receive various articles that have symbolic meaning and will renew her Baptismal vows. They are:
UBible and rosary, the abiding presence of the word of God.
UCrown, the promise of heaven’s glory.
UNecklace, the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and sign of Christianity.
UEarrings, reminder to hear God’s word and that true beauty is in the heart.
UBracelet, a symbol of the unending circle of God’s love.
Grimilda will receive the Bible from her grandmother, Evangelita Ocasio of Youngstown.
There also will be a segment with the changing of the shoes in which Grimilda’s father, Eli Santiago of Youngstown, will help her change her flats to heels, another sign of transition from girl to young lady. He will be giving her the jewelry.
Grimilda also will present 15 red roses for the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
As a gift to the Virgin Mary, Grimilda will play “Ava Maria” on flute. “I decided on ‘Ava Maria’ because it’s my mother’s favorite and it means a lot to me,” Grimilda said.
Her mother credited Bob Antonucci, Lowellville High School band director, with helping her daughter practice. The day does have one disappointment — Grimilda, who is a freshman and flutist in the band at Lowellville, won’t be able to participate in a state competition today.
The ceremony also will include Monsignor Zuraw blessing Grimilda, who will say a prayer. His homily also will focus on the meaning of the ceremony.
While the ceremony for the quincea ±era is held in esteem by the family of the young lady, Monsignor Zuraw said it also will be a catechical (learning moment) for the parish. He said readings in both Spanish and English bring a multi-cultural element to the service.
“I see it as a moment of grace,” Monsignor Zuraw said about the service. “It stresses the religious aspect. God gave her life and protects her in life,” he said.
Monsignor Zuraw said, “Baptism identifies us as whose we are – children of God. Holy Communion relates to what we most need, the body of Christ, and Confirmation is about what we must do in the world.
“We’ll ask for God’s blessing for Grimilda to meet her responsibilities in the world.”
After the Mass, a social event is planned at Organization Civica y Cultural Hispana American.
Among specialty foods on the menu will be pastelillos de carne, seasoned ground beef turnovers; pasteles, pork-filled plantain wraps; and arroz con frijoles, Spanish rice with black-eyed peas.