A Southern California teen has won the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels’ inaugural singing contest, earning the chance to serenade Our Lady of Guadalupe at the cathedral’s Mañanitas celebration on Dec. 11, according to an emailed press release.
Salma Parra of Hacienda Heights was chosen from dozens of entries submitted from across the region. A self-taught vocalist and a junior at Puente Hills High School, Parra said her devotion to the Virgin Mary traces back to her grandmother, who nurtured both her love of music and her affection for the “Virgencita.”
“I am so excited for this opportunity to honor Our Lady!” Parra said.
“My grandmother shared her love of Our Lady with me ever since I can remember,” she said. “She has been a huge part of my faith journey and will be with me as I serenade Our Lady of Guadalupe.”
According to the release, Parra’s family is “tightly knit” and active in parish life in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. They run a boxing and jiu jitsu gym, where she is passionate about teaching children the sports and the values of respect and kindness.
Father David Gallardo, the cathedral’s pastor, said the contest is part of an effort to deepen community involvement in one of the largest, most beloved celebrations of the Guadalupe feast. The cathedral has annually hosted “Las Mañanitas a la Virgen de Guadalupe” since its dedication 23 years ago, drawing thousands who come to honor the Patroness of the Americas.
“I am thrilled that we are expanding our tradition this year by including faithful from our community who desire to share the gift of song to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe at our annual celebration,” Fr. Gallardo remarked. “I am grateful for all who participated in the singing contest — this is a true testament of how Our Lady of Guadalupe unites us all in a very special way.”
This year’s celebration begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 with indigenous dancers and the opportunity to venerate a relic of St. Juan Diego’s tilma — the only known relic of its kind in the U.S. Inside the cathedral, the evening will continue with a rosary at 10 p.m. and a musical serenata featuring mariachi musicians and guest vocalists, including Parra. The festivities culminate with a midnight Mass celebrated by Archbishop José Gomez.
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