2008 Woodie Awards
Guadalupe, patron saint
By: Eliana Granados
Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: Opinion
Ah 'tis the season. For me, December has always brought memories of Mexican foods and traditions such as tamales, atole, pozole, posadas, Noche Buenas, and of course Dec. 12 Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe.
For many Mexicans who live in the United States, they stay tuned for live coverage of the Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City where thousands of Mexicans make pilgrimages to the sacred cathedral and Mariachi bands sing and play Las Mananitas to La Virgen de Guadalupe.
I know it has been a tradition for me to sit down with my parents in the living room and watch Univision for the live coverage that they have in cities such as Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Mexico City where they show La Virgen's portrait surrounded by followers, lit candles, and roses.
Last year, a movie name "Guadalupe" was filmed explaining the apparition of the virgin to Native American Juan Diego in front of many Spanish priests during the 16th century in what is now Mexico. Even though there are has been documentation about the virgin's apparition, there are some who doubt the Native American who saw her, Juan Diego, even existed.
I remember exactly what my mother told me when I asked her about that topic. "Mija", she said, "if they say that Juan Diego didn't exist then they are saying that La Virgen de Guadalupe doesn't exist."
On the History Channel, I've seen documentaries about the Virgin Mary's apparitions. From what I have understood, Mexicans see La Virgen de Guadalupe as their version of the Virgin Mary. She appeared to Juan Diego one afternoon at the top of el cerro de Tepeyac and asked him to get permission from the church to have a temple built for her.
What I believe intrigues speculators is that she appeared to Juan Diego as a Native American, which is why she is known as La Virgen Morena because of her dark complexion. Questions such as did the Spaniards use this story as propaganda to convert Native Americans into Christianity began to burst.
I remember having this debate with my cousin a couple of years ago. This story is described as one of the factors that unified two worlds, the Spaniards and the Native Americans into one. I've seen websites state that it is the story that gave birth to a new raza, la raza Mexicana.
As a Roman Catholic, I strongly believe in La Virgen de Guadalupe and the miracles that she has created. Who knows if the story is real or if it was a fabrication, but what is real is the faith that so many Mexicans have devoted to that one special lady.
I have her portrait hanging over my bed where I know she watches over me. I'm not an expert in this subject, but to me, her existence is real and perhaps it is something that science can't explain.
For many Mexicans who live in the United States, they stay tuned for live coverage of the Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City where thousands of Mexicans make pilgrimages to the sacred cathedral and Mariachi bands sing and play Las Mananitas to La Virgen de Guadalupe.
I know it has been a tradition for me to sit down with my parents in the living room and watch Univision for the live coverage that they have in cities such as Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Mexico City where they show La Virgen's portrait surrounded by followers, lit candles, and roses.
Last year, a movie name "Guadalupe" was filmed explaining the apparition of the virgin to Native American Juan Diego in front of many Spanish priests during the 16th century in what is now Mexico. Even though there are has been documentation about the virgin's apparition, there are some who doubt the Native American who saw her, Juan Diego, even existed.
I remember exactly what my mother told me when I asked her about that topic. "Mija", she said, "if they say that Juan Diego didn't exist then they are saying that La Virgen de Guadalupe doesn't exist."
On the History Channel, I've seen documentaries about the Virgin Mary's apparitions. From what I have understood, Mexicans see La Virgen de Guadalupe as their version of the Virgin Mary. She appeared to Juan Diego one afternoon at the top of el cerro de Tepeyac and asked him to get permission from the church to have a temple built for her.
What I believe intrigues speculators is that she appeared to Juan Diego as a Native American, which is why she is known as La Virgen Morena because of her dark complexion. Questions such as did the Spaniards use this story as propaganda to convert Native Americans into Christianity began to burst.
I remember having this debate with my cousin a couple of years ago. This story is described as one of the factors that unified two worlds, the Spaniards and the Native Americans into one. I've seen websites state that it is the story that gave birth to a new raza, la raza Mexicana.
As a Roman Catholic, I strongly believe in La Virgen de Guadalupe and the miracles that she has created. Who knows if the story is real or if it was a fabrication, but what is real is the faith that so many Mexicans have devoted to that one special lady.
I have her portrait hanging over my bed where I know she watches over me. I'm not an expert in this subject, but to me, her existence is real and perhaps it is something that science can't explain.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
marco
posted 12/19/07 @ 2:56 PM PST
Seems like people are starting to treat her as a god Tonantzi.
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