(attitudes toward the divine and its effect on people's thoughts and behavior)
--Religion traditionally has played an important role in social life and daily activity.
--A mestizo Christianity--a blend of Native indigenous religion with Iberian Catholicism.
--La Virgen de Guadalupe (Patron Saint of Mexico and of the Americas) represents a source of faith, strength, faith, and love in the Latino community.
--Visible and tangible representations of the spiritual world.
--Dios, Jesus, Maria, y los Santos part of the extended family. Not dogmas to be followed but friends to visit, consult, and even argue with.
--Spanish language expressions--Virgen Santísima, Dios Santo!
Haz clicaqui para informacion sobre la Virgen de Guadalupe
1. Attend a English or Spanish Catholic mass in a Latino neighborhood. Or ask the priest if you could attend a baptism, communion, or confirmation rite. Who attends? How is music used? What is worn? How is language and culture illustrated? How are families and children involved?
2. Cruise a Latino neighborhood. Get out and walk. Where is the image of La Virgen de Guadalupe depicted? Read p.85-88-- the LA Times article on grafitti and La Virgen. Did you see evidence of this in your neighborhood visit? How can you use this cultural information in your classroom without over-stepping the boundaries of religious tenets?
3. Interview a Catholic priest, a Catholic worshiper, or a Latino ommunity member about the role of the Virgen de Guadalupe in their lives and community.
Check out two or more web links below. What are your impressions of the website? What new information did you acquire?
Check out the UCLA student web site on "La Religion" for alternative perspectives on religious practices. www.centerx.gseis.ucla.edu/projects/408cd/408b/religion/latino_religion.htm
La Virgen de Guadalupe
www.sancta.org
www.esmas.com/virgendeguadalupe
www.mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/blyons/blguadalupe1.html
More on La Virgen
www.guadalupe.com.mx
LAS CELEBRACIONES Y CEREMONIAS