Theresa Reyes, '16

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

     This last winter break my family and I went to Mexico to attend my uncle's wedding and celebrate Christmas. The ceremony was held in a small town in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Once inside, and waiting for the bride and groom to walk in, I was looking around the church and noticed all the beautiful decorations on display. There were paintings and saints of all kinds. Baby Jesus and the three wise men were also there; but the object that stood out most to me was a picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The picture was not especially different or unique, but the size and how beautifully it was displayed made me fall in love with it. It was centered on the side wall of the church, draped with the red and green colors of the Mexican flag, with flowers underneath the frame. The Virgin of Guadalupe, also referred to as Our Lady of Guadalupe, is Mexico's most prevalent traditional and sacred image. What instantly stood out to me was that the church was very small and simple but the side alcove with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe was vividly and beautifully exposed as the center of attention.