Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 12th is the great Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She has been declared the Patroness of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange. However, long before there was even the thought of a Diocese, we the historical native families of Old Mission San Juan Capistrano were already venerating and paying homage to this great Lady we lovingly called our “Mother”.

The early Old Mission founding Franciscan Friars brought an early image of her to our Mission and our people. They taught us everything about this Holy Woman and from that a deep respect and reverence for her developed. For many generations, Our Lady of Guadalupe was honored each year with a procession and sung Solemn High Mass. Rita Lobo would carry the large banner of our “Mother” in procession. When Rita could no longer do that, the tradition and responsibility were carried on by Viviana Ricardes-Oliveras, Rosa Aguilar, and Ventura Yorba Garcia Nieblas. Her image was carried in every Holy Day religious procession that occurred at the Old Mission. The local historical women also formed a spiritual group called the “Guadalupanas”. These women were strong Catholics who always came to the assistance, in prayer and deed, of our beloved Old Mission, Priests, Sisters, and local community when needed. This went on for many years and by many generations. They never asked for anything in return.

Thank you to our early Old Mission founding Franciscan Friars for bringing this great “Lady” into our lives. Many of our historical families still have her image in a noticeable place of honor in our homes. To Her, we loving forever say “Mi Casa es Su Casa.”