The growing attention on the Virgin of Guadalupe in the United States and decolonizing circles in recent years has made me ponder the meaning of that attention. Many churches now strive to have her image and hold special masses or services on her feast day, December 12. Near my home, an unsightly Guadalupe plaza was created to draw the faithful. The aim seems to open up the U.S. Church to Mexican, Mexican American, and Latino expressions of faith. On the decolonizing side, the goal seems to be a return to worship of Mexica earth goddesses, Coatlicue, and Tonantzin, among other figures, in a revival of that spirituality. Mexica, pronounced Mesh-e kah, is what the Aztecs called themselves. However, these changes in devotion and practice often feel devoid of history and a deeper understanding of the context of her appearance and what that means to most Mexican people across the continent.
Mary's Mantle
Mary's Mantle
Mary's Mantle
The growing attention on the Virgin of Guadalupe in the United States and decolonizing circles in recent years has made me ponder the meaning of that attention. Many churches now strive to have her image and hold special masses or services on her feast day, December 12. Near my home, an unsightly Guadalupe plaza was created to draw the faithful. The aim seems to open up the U.S. Church to Mexican, Mexican American, and Latino expressions of faith. On the decolonizing side, the goal seems to be a return to worship of Mexica earth goddesses, Coatlicue, and Tonantzin, among other figures, in a revival of that spirituality. Mexica, pronounced Mesh-e kah, is what the Aztecs called themselves. However, these changes in devotion and practice often feel devoid of history and a deeper understanding of the context of her appearance and what that means to most Mexican people across the continent.