Had I been among the Hispanics I would have gone outside and said the novena kneeling on the church steps. When the press arrived I would have told them why.

Funny, isn't it? Our pastor speaks fluent Spanish, we conduct Mass in Spanish (daily and weekly), and the Feast of Nuestra Senora de Guadelupe (recognized by the Vatican) is well-attended by everyone in the parish.

A novena is a private devotion, not a requirement of the Catholic Faith.

Sorry, Joe. I disagree with you; I think the priest was off-base.