here in the Rio Grande Valley many young ladies of Mexican descent celebrate quincenera or quince anos, their 15th birthday with a dedication to the Blessed Virgin and renewal of baptismal vows in a church ceremony, attended by several other young ladies and young men. this is usually followed by a formal party or dance, or a less formal event. If they wish to have a ceremony in our church they register with the deacon, and must be attending CCD for 2 years prior to the 15h birthday. Many other parishes have some kind of preparation classes, but I have not been able to get anyone here to help with this, so we try to cover relevant topics in 8th & 9th grade CCD classes: Church teaching on marriage, sex and family, meaning of sacraments of initiation especially our baptismal calling, role of Mary and prayer in general; dating, friendship & relationships.
Just got a good student workbook and catechist guide, bilingual, from Autom for a 6-class preparation. We have offered a retreat for young ladies who will turn 15, but unless it is mandatory, as it is in some parishes, they will not attend. MACC in San Antonio also has some very good material on the origin and purpose of this celebration and its place in Mexican culture. (Mexican American Cultural Center).
the ritual combines some aspects of a coming of age, a debut or cotillion (in that the young lady is introduced to society and in former times was probably considered of marriageable age), and part of confirmation preparation. Girls from less traditional families often choose simply to have their 15th birthday recognized during regular Sunday Mass, and have a more contemporary birthday party with friends.
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