Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico and her image has become a national symbol playing a role in many historical events for Mexicans and Mexican-Americans alike. Father Miguel Hidalgo’s rallying cry at the beginning of Mexico’s war of independence from Spain in 1810 was “Long live the Virgin of Guadalupe!” and Cesar Chavez prominently used her image during the Mexican-American civil rights movement.
An apparition appearing for the second time to Juan Diego on December 12, 1531, the vision of Our Lady of Guadalupe was a leading factor in the conversion of indigenous people to Catholicism. The tilma, or cloak, of Juan Diego depicting the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, remains on display at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Nearly 500 years old and defying scientific explanation, the tilma is seen as a miracle. Appearing as a dark-skinned woman, Our Lady of Guadalupe was seen as the mother figure, being forgiving and all-loving for the indigenous people of Mexico. Still today throughout Mexico and the United States, she is seen as a source of hope for poor, oppressed, or marginalized people.
Take Action:
- The Miraculous Image of Guadalupe
- Our Lady of Peace Catholic Parish, Greeley, CO – Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration
- Attach the Our Lady of Guadalupe design elements to your email signature and/or use it in your social media
For additional education and personal development related to diversity, equity and inclusion, the following resources are available: DEI Education and Resources, DEI & Antiracism Resources from the UNC Libraries, the Education Equity Toolkit from the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and the UNITE workshops for faculty, staff, and students.
