'The Mother of Mexico': Our Lady of Guadalupe represents hope for Catholics celebrating feast day
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Our Lady of Guadalupe Day, a Catholic observance of the appearance of the Virgin Mary hundreds of years ago, is of great importance in Mexico and for millions worldwide.
On Tuesday, many commemorated the Virgin Mary, who, according to the Catholic faith, appeared to Juan Diego, an indigenous Mexican farmer, in 1531.
It's a day celebrated once a year, but the symbol of our Lady of Guadalupe carries a power that persists around the calendar. For many Mexicans and Latinos in the U.S., the Dec. 12 holiday is a day of prayer, processions, songs, and dances.
In Houston, many Catholic churches kicked off their celebrations Monday night, including at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in the East End.
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Dr. Raul Ramos, a history professor at the University of Houston, said her importance is felt throughout Mexican culture.
"(She's) the mother of Mexico," Ramos said. "It really is about how safe she makes people feel."
The Patron Saint of Mexico is a religious figure, but her reach goes well beyond the Catholic church.
"It's also part of being culturally Mexican," Ramos said. "It has been a symbol for almost 500 years."
ABC13 also spoke to Father Dempsey Rosales Acosta, professor of theology at the University of St. Thomas.
He explained how Guadalupe Day is celebrated and that those celebrations didn't just start.
"We dedicate Masses, we sing to the Virgin Mary, we bring flowers," Acosta said. "This tradition, as I said, comes already since half a millennium ago. It's quite fascinating - this devotion, this enchanter, this kind of love that transcends the culture and the nationality of one single country."
Our Lady of Guadalupe is seen as a symbol of hope and justice and as someone who represents the underdog.
Her image has been used for causes like Mexico's war for independence and the Chicano Movement.
Dr. Sergio Lira, the president of Greater Houston LULAC, echoed the thoughts shared by Ramos.
"It is the thread that unites our culture with our Catholic religion," Lira said. "It is a message of hope, faith, and peace."
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