Virgen de Guadalupe celebration this year a beacon of hope for Latino community in LA

This year’s celebration of La Virgen de Guadalupe had a special meaning among many communities. In Los Angeles on Friday morning, hundreds of parishioners and activists gathered at Placita Olvera for a peaceful, faith-centered celebration of el Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe, commemorating her appearance before Saint Juan Diego 494 years ago. 

The event, organized by a coalition of labor unions, faith leaders, immigrant rights and community organizations, featured a prayer service and a procession that stopped by the Federal Building, where immigrants are being detained, and ended at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels for a noon mass.

Many agreed that the culture and tradition of the immigrant community reflect on the image of La Guadalupana, who is a beacon of hope for a better future. 

Among the speakers was California State Senator Maria Elena Durazo (D-26), who said this procession reinforces people’s faith and dignity. 

“Nobody will be treated less, nobody will be treated with violence, and that’s what La Virgen taught us when she went to the most humble person to tell him, ‘you are my son and I’m your mother,’” she said.

Father Brendan Busse from Dolores Mission Catholic Church said La Virgen de Guadalupe is always important, but this year is special because the number of people celebrating her is proof of resilience. 

“That is a sign of what it means to recognize the dignity of the human person. Mary always reminds us that we can see the most vulnerable, the most marginalized person as worthy of our respect and protection,” he said.

Images of La Virgen could be seen in all shapes and sizes, from flags to ponchos, frames and statues. Children were dressed as Saint Juan Diego and a few girls dressed as Indigenous women. 

Members of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) gave roses to people who were on their way to honor the virgin or La Morenita del Tepeyac.

Father Arturo Corral, pastor of La Placita Church, said the procession was a symbol to walk together, where nobody felt like an outsider and felt part of a bigger family that should stay united. 

The message of resilience 

During the procession, David Huerta, president of SEIU-USWW, who was detained by immigration officers a few months ago, said this is the day to restore faith in La Virgen de Guadalupe, especially for those who feel they have lost it. 

“Our strength and our power is our people,” said Huerta. “We have suffered so much, generational, not just this moment… but this too shall pass, but it shall not pass without us being intentional in our fight for justice.”

Fidel Vazquez, one of the parishioners who joined the procession, said he was there to support all migrants and to show that immigrant work is important for the economy of the U.S.

“It’s a pleasure to be in La Placita advocating for our friends and all the immigrants,” said Vazquez.

Another participant was Maria, who said she wanted to show a message of unity among the Latino community. “We are here with our mother of Guadalupe, who cares and loves us. With her love, we have everything; without her, we are nothing,” she said. 

Each December 12, pilgrims reaffirm their identity, belonging, and connection to the community. This year’s procession underscored a model of community safety at faith gatherings, honoring all cultural and spiritual traditions while safeguarding immigrants.