La Virgen de Guadalupe

While growing up, I was always exposed to the traditional image of the Virgen de Guadalupe as the pure mother of God who individuals pray to for protection and guidance to the right direction. As a child, I can remember I was raised in a Catholic family who truly believes in miracles the Virgin Mary does for individuals. Prior to taking this course, I had never before seen any of the images I have had the opportunity to view of the Virgin Mary as sharing features many Chicana women do. After listening to the lecture on Monday about the origin of the Virgin Mary, I felt a bit confused on the fact that I have been misguided for many years through the true history of the Virgen de Guadalupe.

Answering the question on how I feel about the feminist interpretations of Chicana artists about the Virgin Mary, I will say that I am an open minded individual that although was raised in believing in the existence of the Virgin Mary and as Catholic, I will not consider myself extremely religious but I do hold this strong belief of her existence since personally I have been through some rough times that I never thought I was able to overcome. With believing in her I have been able to face the world and overcome obstacles the world has given me. I know that some folks will argue that it is not the Virgen who made the miracle and heard my prayers, but that it was myself who made the change by facing my obstacles. I would say that yes that might be the case, but by me believing in her and having faith, is what has provided me with strength. With that said, I believe one should be respectful with listening and accepting every individual’s point of view of the Virgen de Guadualupe. I admire the artwork each of the Chicana artists has provided with different physical features of the Virgin Mary because I believe everyone is entitled to express their feelings and thoughts as they wish, without any judgment.