Basilica of Guadalupe, Monterrey facts for kids
The Basilica of Guadalupe is a famous Roman Catholic church in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. It's also known as the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. This important church is a special place for many people who visit it every year.
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The Old Basilica: A Look Back
The Old Basilica of Guadalupe is an older Roman Catholic building in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. It's located just outside the city center.
In 1867, a bishop named Francisco de Paula Verea wanted to build a small church to honor the Virgin of Tepeyac. This first church had stone walls and a painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe on the altar. People would gather outside for church services.
Later, in 1895, another bishop named Santiago de los Santos Garza Zambrano built a bigger stone church in its place. The area in front of this church became known as La Plaza de Guadalupe. During the yearly festival on December 12, many sellers would set up their stalls here. The church became very popular, so in 1905, a tram line was even extended to the area, making it easier for people to visit. In 1930, the plaza was renamed after a poet, Salvador Díaz Mirón.
The Old Basilica has a large 1931 Wurlitzer organ. In the 1960s, it became a local church for the Colonia Independencia neighborhood. It was the main Basilica of Guadalupe until the newer, much larger one was built nearby. The old church is only about 50 meters away from the new one.
The Present Basilica: A Place of Pilgrimage
The current Basilica of Guadalupe is one of the biggest church buildings in northern Mexico. It stands in the Colonia Independencia neighborhood, just outside downtown Monterrey. This church is dedicated to Virgin Mary under the name Our Lady of Guadalupe. Many people believe she appeared to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City in 1531.
Every year, especially around December 12, thousands of people visit this church. December 12 is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. As midnight strikes on December 12, mariachi bands play and sing traditional songs called mañanitas to honor the Virgin.
In the weeks leading up to this special day, many peregrinos (pilgrims) travel to the basilica. They arrive praying or chanting. You might also see matachines, who are dancers, performing all the way to the church. They come from different directions to gather at the basilica. There, they pray and attend Mass in front of a copy of the image of the Guadalupana. The original image is kept in the basilica in Mexico City.
Other Churches in Monterrey
Monterrey has several other important Roman Catholic churches, including:
- Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de Monterrey
- La Basilica de la Purísima Concepcion (also known as "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... ?, which means Am I not here, who is your mother?
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In the background, you can see several downtown buildings.
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Outside the Basilica, there are traditional shops.
See also
- List of basilicas
- List of churches under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe
