I’m A Guadalupe Memorabilia Addict

I love La Virgen de Guadalupe. Now, don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t call myself an exceptional Catholic by any means, but the image of that lovely lady has been around me my entire life, and I can’t help but feel comforted by her presence. So comforted, in fact, that I can’t help myself but to collect random items — anything really — with her image.

Over time, I’ve collected everything from nail clippers, ties, earrings, t-shirts, candles (obviously), crosses (ditto), watches and clocks, fridge magnets, posters, keychains, pens, bracelets, stickers, car air fresheners and more. It’s insane and what’s even crazier is that I’m never over-saturated. I just like having her around.

And I know I’m not the only one out there that feels this way. It’s not for nothing that she’s known as the Patroness of the Americas. I’ve been witness to more than one abuelita sing the praises of the Guadalupe, tell me that when they felt no one else could be there for them, she was there. Whether or not she actually was there doesn’t really matter to me, it’s the idea that she’s there that counts.

Once I met one abuelita who began to cry to think about the time the tilma with the image of the Guadalupe was the target of a bomb. That was in 1921. The tilma wasn’t damaged, but a brass crucifix melted and bent into a twisted shape. How can people not think it’s real, she asked between tears, and really, there was no way to give her an answer.

Whether it’s because of culture, family or religion, I like the Virgen de Guadalupe and plan to continue to have her around. Having her as a presence in my dwelling gives me a feeling like I’m actually in my home. When people come to visit, they often admire my Guadalupe doohickeys, commenting that you don’t even have to be religious to like them. Yeah, I tell them, you’re absolutely right.