The Significance and Devotion Surrounding Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico and the Americas, is not only celebrated by Mexican Americans and Latinos across the country but also holds significant cultural and historical importance in New York City. The church, founded 121 years ago, serves as a window into the city's rich Hispanic and Latino history. The church's original building, located in the once-bustling community known as Little Spain, is now at risk of being altered or destroyed. Advocates are fighting to preserve the building's distinctive Spanish Baroque facade, as it represents one of the last remnants of the neighborhood's heritage. Our Lady of Guadalupe has played a crucial role in bringing together different Spanish-speaking communities in New York, fostering an early Hispanic community.