|
 Before you celebrate your quinceañera, it’s important for you to think about the religious meaning of the ceremony. You already know that a quinceañera represents a transition into adulthood and if you are a devout follower, then it also represents a commitment to God.
Due to the large number of girls (like you), who want to reaffirm their religious beliefs, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have published a book titled “Order for the Blessing on the Fifteenth Birthday,” which can help you and your priest plan the religious ceremony. The book became available on September 2008 in both English and Spanish. It includes blessings, prayers, and Bible readings that underline a woman’s role in church. Also, it includes an appendix with petitions or interceding prayers, in which you can pray to God for the quinceañera’s faith as well as her friends and family’s.
“Bendiciones al cumplir los quince años” te explica cómo celebrar el ritual tanto dentro como fuera de la misa, te ayuda en la selección de las lecturas y de la música e incide en la importancia de comprometerte a vivir una vida cristina ahora que eres una mujercita. “Order for the Blessing on the Fifteenth Birthday” explains how to perform the ritual in and outside of church. It helps you choose the Bible reading and music and emphasizes the importance of committing to a religious life, now that you have become a young woman. During mass, you may thank God using these or similar words: Heavenly Father,
I thank you for the gift of life
for creating me in your image and likeness
and for calling me to be your daughter through baptism.
Thank you for sending your Son Jesus to save me
and your Holy Spirit to sanctify me.
To that which in your goodness and love
you will for me, I say “yes,”  At the end of mass the priest blesses you using these or similar words:
Loving God,
you created all the people of the world
and you know each of us by name.
We thank you for N. (quinceañera),
who today celebrates her fifteenth birthday.
Bless her with your love and friendship
that she may grow in wisdom, knowledge, and grace.
May she love her family always
and be faithful to her friends. Once you are blessed, you can resume your religious commitment to society. “Order for the Blessing on the Fifteenth Birthday” is available in English and Spanish for only $6.95 through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s website, www.usccbpublishing.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=1198
 |
