Catholics Rethink Quinceañera Craze

[IrishAm]

In this morning’s Washington Post, and probably many other papers as it originates with the Associated Press . . .

Catholics Rethink Quinceañera Craze
Ritual Provides Chance for Lessons on Faith, Family, Sex
By Eric Gorski
Associated Press
Saturday, January 12, 2008; Page B09

DENVER – On the day she is to become a woman, Monica Reyes sits in front of the church for Mass. Her white dress – sewn in her mother’s Mexican home town – spills over her chair like an oversized lampshade.

The priest urges her to live as a daughter of God. Her parents give her a gold ring shaped like the number 15. Near the end of the service, Monica lays a bouquet of roses before a statue of the Virgin Mary.

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/11/AR2008011103404.html

An interesting article which raises a lot of issues about the secularization and over-commercialization of this traditional rite of passage.

I was particularly happy to see the following (bold/italics added) -

One lesson included tips for safe dating (avoid Internet dating sites in favor of group outings in public places such as the mall or family barbecues). Then there is an explanation of the difference between simple abstinence (a way to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases) and chastity (living like Jesus and Mary).

The definition of “chastity” as opposed to “simple abstinence” is an important and sophisticated differentiation the secular press – and even a lot of churches – do not make. It is one our young Catholic men and women (and some who are not-so-young) need to hear.

 

[rosebudsal]

I’m totally fascinated by Quinceañeras , not because I feel like I missed out on having one or because it’s a part of my culture and I had to have one. While I’m Hispanic, it was never part of “my” culture and where I grew up they were unheard of. Now, things are different and the large number of immigrants from Mexico, I’m hearing about them happening all the time.

I don’t think they’re a bad thing, especially when the focus is the church and spirituality etc. But they seem to be so over the top-- that I just can’t fathom spending the money and making all the fuss.

Then again, when I was 15, I wouldn’t have wanted the attention nor would I have cared all that much about having a Mass just for me.

 

[puzzleannie]

I never heard there was a craze, it is just a fairly common celebration in our culture here. For many it is just an excuse for a big blow-out, like a wedding, with no reference at all to any deeper underlying meaning.

In this diocese most parishes have requirements if the girl wishes to have her ceremony in church. For a simple blessing after a regular Mass there is no charge, but if the family wants to rent the church for an afternoon, or the parish hall for a reception, they pay for that. In most parishes there is some kind of requirement involving CCD or Catholic school attendance, retreat or both. We have a series of 3 classes for 8th graders each year that covers baptism and sacraments of initiation, chastity and responsibility (parents attend this one), and discipleship. It is part of regular CCD, not an added requirement.

each year I get at least 5 families bringing in a 14 yr old to CCD for the first time who needs first communion, or in some cases baptism, simply because they want the 15th celebration. these girls almost never come back for Confirmation class after their birthday.
I would guess half the girls and only a handful of boys celebrate their 15th birthday in this way. A lot of girls don’t want the big bash with the pink dress and dinner dance, but opt for a movie party, pool party or other option, with just a blessing during a regular Sunday Mass.

 

[James_2_24]

Domus Dei offers its perspective: domusdei.org/2008/01/12/those-crazy-quinceaneras/