Basilica of Guadalupe, Monterrey facts for kids
The Basilica of Guadalupe, also known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is a large Roman Catholic church. You can find it in the big city area of Monterrey, in Nuevo León, Mexico. It's a very important place for many people.
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The First Basilica: A Look Back
The first Basilica of Guadalupe is an older Roman Catholic building in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. It stands just outside the main downtown area.
In 1867, a bishop named Francisco de Paula Verea y González de Hermosillo loved the Virgin of Tepeyac very much. He asked for a small church to be built to honor her. This first church had strong stone walls. Inside, there was a painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe. People would gather outside for church services.
Later, in 1895, another bishop named Santiago de los Santos Garza Zambrano built a bigger stone church. This new church replaced the smaller one. The area in front of the church became a popular spot called La Plaza de Guadalupe. During the festival on December 12, many sellers would set up their stalls there. Because so many people visited, the government even added a tram line to the area in 1905. In 1930, the plaza was renamed for a poet.
This old basilica has a special organ from 1931. In the 1960s, it became a local church for the Colonia Independencia neighborhood. It was the main Basilica of Guadalupe until a new, much larger one was built nearby. The old church is still there, less than 50 meters from the new one.
The New Basilica: A Place of Pilgrimage
The current Basilica of Guadalupe is also in the Colonia Independencia neighborhood, close to downtown Monterrey. It is one of the biggest church buildings in northern Mexico. This church is dedicated to Virgin Mary under the name Our Lady of Guadalupe. Many people believe she appeared to Saint Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City in 1531.
Every year, thousands of people who believe in the Virgin Mary visit this church. They come especially in the days leading up to her feast day, December 12. On the night of December 11, as midnight arrives, mariachi bands play and sing traditional songs called mañanitas. This is their way of honoring the Virgin.
In the weeks before the holiday, many peregrinos (pilgrims) make special trips. They arrive praying or singing. Some groups, called matachines, dance all the way to the basilica. They come from different directions, all meeting at the church. There, they pray and attend Mass in front of a copy of the image of the Guadalupana. The original image is in the basilica in Mexico City.
On March 14, 2023, Pope Francis gave permission for the honored copy of the image in the Monterrey basilica to receive a special honor called a canonical coronation. A big ceremony was held on December 6, 2023. It was led by Rogelio Cabrera López, who is the Archbishop of Monterrey.
Other Important Churches in Monterrey
Monterrey has several other notable Roman Catholic churches. Some of these include:
- Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de Monterrey
- La Basilica de la Purísima Concepcion (often called "La Purisima")
- Capilla de los Dulces Nombres (the Chapel of the Sweet Names)
- San Juan Bautista de La Salle
- Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Roble
- El Sagrado Corazon (Sacred Heart)
Images for kids
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Basilica of Guadalupe (south side)
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Temple entrance with the motto ¿No estoy yo aquí que soy tu Madre... ?, Spanish for Am I not here, who is your mother?
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In the background, several downtown buildings.
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Outside the Basilica, traditional shops.
See also
- List of basilicas
- List of churches under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe
