My mom was born here in Illinois, and my dad was born in Guerrero, Mexico, so religion is a big part of our family. Growing up, I learned that La Virgen de Guadalupe and God was our reason for being. Being Mexican and Catholic, La Virgen de Guadalupe is a big representation of how we have La Virgen as our guidance, love, and support. My mom and dad would bless my siblings and I every night and pray to La Virgen or God. Every morning my dad would thank La Virgen and God for another day of life and whenever we passed by our church, we’d bless ourselves 3 times. 
On December 12th every year, we celebrate La Virgen by going to church, lighting candles, and giving her flowers. I pray to her and God at night for guidance and sometimes to even have a random conversation. In Mexico, the image of La Virgen de Guadalupe is on flags and posters which are waved around during parades, such as Mexican Wars of Independence and the Mexican Revolution. In my house, we have a big picture of La Virgen de Guadalupe hung in our dining room with an altar below it. We hung lights around it and place flowers on it to honor her. La Virgen de Guadalupe is a big representation of my life because She has helped me through struggles and is a great support to my life.

– Brianna Fitz

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant