March 2016 - Mexico
She can appear in the most unexpected places. Hovering above doorways like your guardian angel. Slapped on a crate ready for shipping. Sewn on a jacket, perhaps over the heart. But most commonly you run into her on the street. Her name is Guadalupe and she is the Queen of Mexico: Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Roman Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with a venerated image enshrined within the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in México City. The basilica is the most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world, and the world's third most-visited sacred site.
Here is a detailed account from Catholic Online.
The first time I encountered this icon was in 1976 when I first visited Mexico City. You can see the original chapel at the top of the hill.
The shrine was built near the hill of Tepeyac where Our Lady of Guadalupe is believed to have appeared to Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. This site is also known as La Villa de Guadalupe or, in a more popular sense, simply La Villa, as it has several churches and related buildings.
In 2002 we went back to Mexico City for a few days and went to the basilica again. We also found this statue with believers praying to her.
On this trip I have documented some of the images of Our Lady that we have come across on the street, homes, and even markets.
Parroquia del Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe "Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe" is not on most tourist maps and we found it by accident. It had a wonderful statue outside.
Known as the birthplace of Mexican Independence we visited the Bicentennial Museum which had several examples. There was an exhibit of artists' depictions of Our Lady.
In 2002 we went back to Mexico City for a few days and went to the basilica again. We also found this statue with believers praying to her.
On this trip I have documented some of the images of Our Lady that we have come across on the street, homes, and even markets.
MAZATLAN
The cathedral is Mazatlan is named for Our Lady of Guadalupe. There is a statue of the Virgin appearing to Juan.
At the market
EL QUELITE
LE NORIA
GUADALAJARA
There was no shortage of sightings on our two trips into Guadalajara.
This statue was at the Templo de Nuestra Señora de Aránzazu "Our Lady of Aranzazu Church".
The lighting wasn't great as it was twilight.
Parroquia del Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe "Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe" is not on most tourist maps and we found it by accident. It had a wonderful statue outside.
Of course the cathedral is named for Our Lady of Guadalupe and had this wonderful painting.
DOLORES HIDALGO
Since it was the priest Hidalgo that was the leader for the uprising there were examples of him with Our Lady.
LAKE CHAPALA
This town had a magnificent statue.
TLAQUEPAQUE
This town had a gorgeous bronze statue of Pope John Paul II.
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
Around our house
A Tree of Life
At the Artisan Market
Even street banners!
Another market dedication
PUERTO VALLARTA
Another church named after her.
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Baffling to me, but that will always be the case with religion.
ReplyDeleteA very informative and interesting post. I visited Mexico City in Feb 2015 and your post brought back many memories. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSo many different images and each one unique! I enjoyed your photos of the varied depictions of "Our Lady."
ReplyDeleteHappy Saturday, Jackie!
ReplyDeleteVery gorgeous, colorful photos! I have been to some of these places, such as Dolores Hidalgo and San Miguel.
So many images! Thanks for sharing, you documented very well, I think.
ReplyDeleteI love the dedication Mexico has to Our Lady of Guadalupe. This is a wonderful collection of photos that really shows that she is everywhere. We've visited Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta but I've never paid attention to all the portraits and souvenirs. I also like how colorful most of these photos are.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! Very informative and packed with loads of excellent shots! I especially like the photos of the arts & crafts, Jackie.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for contributing to the Travel Tuesday meme!