Whittier, Calif. – Rose Hills Memorial Park presents “Juan Diego & the Beautiful Lady,” a free bilingual outdoor play commemorating Our Lady of Guadalupe on Sunday, Dec. 3.

Performed by Rio Hondo College’s Performing Arts Department and students from St. Marianne de Paredes Elementary School in Pico Rivera, the play depicts the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe’s apparition before the humble Juan Diego.

The play will start at 1:45 p.m., followed by a public procession led by the replica image of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the SkyRose Chapel.

The free event will be held in Mission Hills Plaza at Rose Hills, 3888 Workman Mill Road in Whittier. The performance will move across several stages and the surrounding hillside. The replica image, a gift to Rose Hills from the Archbishop of Mexico City, and an original stone from the walls of the Basilica de Guadalupe built between 1531 and 1709, are integrated into the production and celebration.

A new feature to the celebration will be the creation of a colorful sand tapestry of Our Lady of Guadalupe by Mexican artist Eduardo Serrato Moreno. During the event, the tapestry, which originates in Mexico using sand and other natural elements like flower petals and seeds, will be
completed.

Immediately after the play, the public is invited to join a traditional procession, featuring Mariachi Trompetas de Mexico and Pacifico Dance Company dancers, to SkyRose Chapel and a special blessing. Food and Guadalupana items will be available for purchase.

“We have created a tradition with our communities of celebrating the special story of Our Lady of Guadalupe,” said Patrick Monroe, President and CEO, Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary. “We are very fortunate to receive the replica image and original basilica stone, a highlight of our celebration, and very grateful for the continued partnership with Rio Hondo College, St.
Marianne, and their talented students that bring to life their traditions and culture for all to see.”

Gabriel Carrasco, main director of the play and staff member at Rio Hondo College, said he is delighted to be working with Rose Hills on this special project for the third year in a row.

“This play gives our students a great opportunity to perform in a unique environment,” he said. “This new class immediately embraced the project. It resonates with so many students on a personal and cultural level, providing a one-of-a-kind learning experience.”

For interviews and media credentials, please contact Delia Lopez, DELIA_LL@YAHOO.COM or 323.359.8869.

For more information on the celebration, visit www.ourladyofguadaluperosehills.com or call 323.887.4837.

About Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary
Located in Whittier, California, with approximately 1,400 acres of property for current use or future development, Rose Hills is considered to be the largest single-operated cemetery in the world. The memorial park receives more than three million visitors each year. Although it is purposely secluded, Rose Hills is only minutes away from any point in the Greater Los Angeles or Orange County area, and offers a full range of funeral services to meet the memorialization needs of Southern California families.