My experiences with the Virgin of Guadalupe have been very minimal for a catholic or CA resident. I grew up going to a Catholic Church and remember always referring to her as Mary. I was taught that she represented purity and kindness as well as that mother role when she birthed Jesus. I en told that she is a part of Mexican culture, and that her outfit represents it since it is red white and green. I have seen her image through my life in my church, on candles, paintings, and even on television. She is a widely known symbol and I would be very shocked if someone didn't know of her.
I use to take catholic classes and recall seeing her image always in my classrooms and discussing her bizarre situation and how she was treated poorly because of her being pregnant as a virgin. The teachers I have had referred to her as being brave and claimed we should be grateful to her. I know this is different from Christian culture (as I've been told) because we see her as a saint while other religions do not. When I see her image I am reminded of those classes and how I would have to recite prayers by heart, or I think of my communion.
If am not a very religious person, I stopped going to church once I older and personally struggle to connect with religion. I completely understand that everyones faith is different and I respect peoples choices to believe or not believe in something. Thus, this image for me reminds me of my childhood and how I was once a catholic but not anymore. It also reminds me of the little shrine that my best friend has to praise the Virgin go Guadalupe. I feel that this is important, because one single symbol can represent so many different amazing faiths and beliefs throughout the world.
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