国产传媒

Our Lady of Guadalupe, a beloved and powerful symbol, holds a deeply significant place in both Catholic tradition and the cultural identity of many communities, particularly in Los Angeles. The story of her apparition to Juan Diego, an indigenous man in Mexico in 1531 carries a message of hope and dignity. This divine figure remains an enduring presence in the city’s murals, altars and public art, embodying faith and cultural pride for countless individuals and families.

Last fall, Mount Saint Mary’s University brought together students, faculty and staff to create the 2024 Our Lady of Guadalupe Public Art and Mural Exhibit. Curated by Campus Ministry and Spirituality, the project invited participants to photograph public art and murals of Guadalupe across Los Angeles.

The resulting exhibit — which was presented at both Chalon and Doheny campuses in December — featured 30 curated photographs, showcasing Guadalupe’s vibrant presence in communities like Boyle Heights, South Central Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

Over ten weeks, students, faculty and staff documented murals, altars and artwork, capturing more than 130 images of Guadalupe in diverse settings across the region, from bustling markets to quiet parks and graffiti-marked walls.

For Viviana Citalan-Maldonado ’25, a business administration major with an emphasis in marketing, the project offered a new perspective. “Growing up in Los Angeles, I didn’t have a connection to Our Lady of Guadalupe, but visiting these murals made me realize how many different communities revere Guadalupe and use her image as a symbol of resilience and resistance,” Viviana says.

The exhibit celebrates how spirituality intersects with culture and art, offering an inclusive space of reflection and social dialogue. “Her image reminds us of the divine within our humanity,” says Christie De La Gándara, PhD, director of Campus Ministry and Spirituality, who spearheaded the project. “This exhibit reaffirms the Mount’s commitment to fostering dialogue, compassion and transformation in our shared communities.”