A quinceañera party is the biggest dream for young ladies in Latin America, particularly in Mexico. But sometimes they must miss the special 15th birthday party.
About 60 women — 16 to 90 years old — had the opportunity to celebrate their belated quinceañera, Nov. 7 at St. Mary Parish in DeKalb. The women and their families from DeKalb Deanery parishes, as well as one from the Joliet Diocese, took part. Msgr. Arquimedes Vallejo, diocesan Vicar for Hispanic Ministry and pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Aurora, offered Mass for the celebration.
For Noemí Hernández her quinceañera is a dream come true at age 52. “Because with God nothing is impossible, and blessed is he who trusts in Him because He never disappoints you, I have always had my faith in Him and He has always led me step by step,” she said. “But today it is more important because I have my kids with me. If I had celebrated my 15th (birthday) many years ago, I would not have been fortunate to have my children and grandchildren around me” she said.
At a gala dance and dinner for the women in the parish center, each was honored during waltzes and received a crown and roses.