Guadalupe Society of Lorain welcomes new leadership, marks a century of service

The Mexican American community in Lorain established the Guadalupe Society in 1926. A century later, the group remains strong, marking its first century of service with a liturgy celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost and a banquet on Sept. 19 at Sacred Heart Chapel in Lorain.

Originally all men, the society was dedicated to the preservation of their Catholic faith and cultural traditions by promoting an increased devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico and patroness of the Americas.

Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego, a poor Mexican peasant, in December 1531, speaking to him in his own language and instructing him to go to his bishop and arrange to build a chapel where she appeared. When Juan Diego visited the bishop on Dec. 12, 1531 and opened his tilma (cloak), roses fell to the ground and an image of the Blessed Mother appeared on it. Devotion to her remains strong in Mexico.

Many of the Guadalupe Society’s first members left Mexico because of the Cristero War, a bloody 1926-1929 uprising that sought to limit the Church’s influence in Mexico and to suppress religiosity. They were seeking a place where they could freely practice their faith.

Since its founding, the Guadalupe Society has served the Lorain community, including Sacred Heart Chapel, the former St. John the Baptist Parish (now St. Frances Cabrini), the former Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel and others.

Father Alex Spenik, Sacred Heart Chapel administrator, said the Guadalupe Society predates the parish by 25 years, but it has always been welcome there. In recent years, he said Sacred Heart has become the spiritual home to the largest group of Guadalupe Society members. The group raises funds for the parish and hosts the novena for the Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations (Dec. 3-12) at Sacred Heart Chapel. They also cook and serve food on the first Sunday of the month to benefit of the parish and on the 12th of the month, society members pray the rosary in honor of the Blessed Mother.

Longtime president Rosa Cromer stepped down this year and Malixa Rivera Cruz became the new president. Juanita Gonzalez is the group’s secretary.

Bishop Woost blessed the outgoing and incoming, officers thanking them for their service and  willingness to serve, during the liturgy on Sept. 19. Concelebrating the Mass were Father Spenik and Father Rob Reidy.

The celebration concluded with a dinner in the parish hall.