JASPER—On Sunday, May 31, Our Lady of the Mountains Church will celebrate a Cristero Festival, the first of what organizers hope will be an annual event. Parishioners of Mexican descent will share their food, music and culture with the wider community on this joyous occasion. All are welcome to attend.

The Cristero Festival generally falls on or near the feast of Pentecost and specifically recalls the martyrs of the Cristero War in Mexico, martyrs who share a feast day on May 21. Where such a remembrance might be somber, it is for the parish a joyful expression of the endurance of Catholic culture that gives praise to Christ the King.

The festival will begin at noon, after the 11 a.m. Mass, with a meal of Mexican food served in the parish hall (for a small fee).

The parish grounds will be transformed into a mission plaza, with dancing, bands, horseback rides and games for the children. A storyteller will explain about the Cristero War and its many martyrs. There will be Mexican folk songs, and booths with retablos, statues, votives and other Mexican artistic goods. The day will conclude with an hour of adoration in the church.

Whether speakers of Spanish or English, attendees will find this to be a beautiful celebration suitable for the whole family.

Proceeds will go to support the parish.

Viva Cristo Rey!

Our Lady of the Mountains Church is located at 1908 Waleska Hwy. 108, Jasper. For directions and more information about the parish, visit the website at www.olmjasper.com.