St. James Catholic Church, 505 Woodcrest Ave., Lititz, will host a bilingual Novena Celebration from Wednesday, Dec. 4, through Thursday, Dec. 12. The event will honor the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, patron of the unborn, and patron of Mexico.

Each day at 6 p.m. in the church, a bilingual rosary - Our Lady of Guadalupe Novena - will be prayed. On Wednesday, Dec. 11, light refreshments will be served in St. James Hall following the prayer service. On Dec. 12, after the service, Holy Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m. for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Then a potluck dinner in St. James Hall will be held, featuring traditional Mexican dishes.

St. James Catholic Church will host two additional events augmenting the Novena Celebration: an Advent Adult Day of Reflection titled "Our Lady of Guadalupe: A Woman Clothed With the Sun" and a "Marian Apparitions and Shrines" exhibit.

The Advent Adult Day of Reflection will be held in St. James Hall on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The retreat will begin with 9 a.m. Mass, followed by a continental breakfast; three retreat sessions, including meditation times; lunch; and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 1 to 2 p.m.

The "Marian Apparitions and Shrines" exhibit will be open from Dec. 7 through 12. This exhibit presents Vatican-approved items from around the world, using materials developed by Blessed Carlo Acutis, who will soon be a saint.

The exhibit will be available in the parish social hall, Our Lady's Center, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 7; from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, and Dec. 12; and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Dec. 9, 10, and 11.

The celebration and exhibit are free and open to the public. The events are suitable for people of all ages. Freewill offerings will be accepted to help offset the cost of the events.

For more information, contact Kelly Lawrence at 717-626-5580, ext. 243, or klawrence@hbgdiocese.org.