Performing Piety: Guadalupan Sacred Spaces and Transnational Devotion

What is the main focus of Elaine A. Peña's 'Performing Piety'?

The construction, maintenance, and sanctification of sacred spaces by devotees of the Virgin of Guadalupe across the U.S.-Mexico border.

Which three locations are highlighted in Peña's study?

Mexico City (Tepeyac), Des Plaines, Illinois (Second Tepeyac), and Chicago's Rogers Park.

What concept does Peña introduce to describe the religious acts of devotees?

Devotional labor and devotional capital.

What does 'devotional labor' refer to?

Acts such as pilgrimage, prayer, song, dance, and shrine maintenance that develop and sanctify sacred spaces.

What is 'devotional capital'?

A type of symbolic capital generated by religious practice that produces social, economic, cultural, and political benefits.

What methodology does Peña employ in her research?

Co-Performative Witnessing, which emphasizes embodied action and sensual communication.

What are the key questions addressed in Peña's study?

When is space sacred? How are its boundaries determined? How do conceptions of sacred space differ between the U.S. and Mexico?

What is the significance of the Second Tepeyac in Des Plaines, Illinois?

It is a sanctioned replica of the hill of Tepeyac in Mexico City, serving as a sacred space for devotees.

What historical event is associated with the Virgin of Guadalupe's apparition?

The Virgin appeared to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin from December 9-12, 1531.

What message did the Virgin of Guadalupe convey to Juan Diego?

To build a temple in her honor.

What does Peña critique about existing scholarship on Guadalupan studies?

The lack of analysis on the transnational dimensions of devotion and the socio-economic benefits of spiritual practices.

What does Peña's work challenge regarding traditional views of sacred space?

It challenges the notions of gender roles and national identity within Guadalupan cults.

What is the role of migration networks in Peña's study?

They are examined as processes that layer culture, history, and traditions within sacred spaces.

What is the significance of the tilma in the Virgin of Guadalupe's story?

It is the garment that miraculously imprinted her image and is preserved in the Modern Basilica.

How does Peña view the concept of sacred space?

As not absolute, but as a blend of religious and secular elements.

What does the term 'unauthorized migrants' refer to in the context of Peña's study?

Devotees who are migrants from traditional sending states like Michoacán and Guanajuato.

What does the Virgin of Guadalupe symbolize according to Anzaldúa's perspective?

A symbol infused with Aztec, Totonac, and Spanish histories, challenging binary views of women.

What are the socio-economic impacts of Guadalupan devotion as discussed by Peña?

The spiritual practices yield socio-economic benefits that are often overlooked in studies of diasporic religion.

What is the significance of the phrase 'No estoy yo aquí que soy tu Madre?'

It emphasizes the Virgin's protective and nurturing role towards her devotees.

What does Peña aim to avoid by keeping the sequence of her book from Chicago to Mexico?

Perpetuating origin myths or notions of religio-cultural authenticity.

What is the historical context of the Virgin of Guadalupe's origin?

She originated from the Hill of Tepeyac, a significant pre-Hispanic site in Tenochtitlán.

What was the first shrine established in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe?

The Church of Zumárraga, established in 1531.

What does Peña's research emphasize about the role of embodied practices?

They are crucial for understanding the construction of sacred spaces and the experiences of devotees.

How does Peña's work contribute to the understanding of Guadalupan cults?

By highlighting the transnational and socio-economic dimensions of devotion that are often ignored.

What is the significance of the sidewalk shrine in Rogers Park?

It represents the grassroots expression of devotion among Mexican nationals in Chicago.

What does Peña suggest about the interplay of faith and socio-economic conditions?

Faith-based traditions are circulated within and between sacred spaces, influencing socio-economic coping strategies.

What role does the Virgin of Guadalupe play in the lives of unauthorized migrants?

She serves as a source of hope and identity for migrants navigating their challenges.

What does Peña's study reveal about the boundaries of sacred space?

They are determined and sustained through collective practices and shared beliefs among devotees.

What significant event occurred in 1556 regarding the Catholic Church in Montúfar?

The construction of the second church.

What was the third church built in 1622 called?

Iglesia Artesonada.

What are Cofradías?

Fraternities of devotees supporting religious and social growth, organized by clergy for evangelization and integration.

What physical transformation occurred at Tepeyac in the 17th-18th Century?

Tepeyac's reputation was enhanced through physical improvements.

What major infrastructure was completed in 1676?

An aqueduct that connected the shrine to the city center.

What title was given to Tepeyac in 1703?

La Villa de Guadalupe with independent government.

What declaration did Pope Benedict XIV make in 1754?

He declared la Virgen de Guadalupe 'patrona de Nueva España' and designated December 12 as her feast day.

What was reaffirmed by Pope Pius XI in the 1910s?

He reaffirmed la Virgen de Guadalupe as the empress of Latin America and the Philippines.

What significant legal reforms challenged the Catholic Church's power in the 19th Century?

The Spanish Constitution of Cádiz (1812), Mexican Constitution (1857), and nationalization law (1859).

What treaty was signed at the Basílica Antigua in 1846?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

What was inaugurated in 1873 in Mexico?

Mexico's rail service, with the first train named 'Guadalupe.'

What major conflict occurred in Mexico from 1910 to 1929?

The Mexican Revolution and the Cristero War.

What was the Era of Tolerance (1930-1960) in relation to the Basilica?

State and church legitimized the Basilica as a national space and tourist attraction.

What was declared by President Manuel Avila Camacho in 1940?

'Yo soy creyente, soy católico.'

What significant event occurred in 1949 regarding la Villa de Guadalupe?

It officially regained its title: la Villa de Guadalupe Hidalgo.

What was inaugurated in 1942?

El Museo Guadalupano, featuring institutional history.

What architectural development was completed in 1976?

The Modern Basilica, authorized by President Luis Echeverría Alvarez.

What is the capacity of the Plaza de las Américas?

30,000 people in a 37,000 sq meter atrium.

Who organized the statue of the Virgin from San Luis Potosí in 1964?

Joaquín Martínez.

What is Maryville Academy known for?

Hosting the Second Tepeyac and helping orphaned children.

What does 'Ella, sí está' mean in the context of the Virgin's presence?

It signifies that even a small sacred item can make a new space sacred.

What does the term 'Docenario' refer to?

A twelve-day prayer cycle dedicated to various societal factions.

What was the growth of devotees from 2002 to 2007?

From 2,000 devotees to 190,000.

What was a notable pilgrimage event on December 12, 2009?

200 devotees walked over 7 hours in single-digit weather to honor the Virgin.

What does 'Space is a practiced place' refer to?

The Second Tepeyac becomes sacred through devotees' embodied performances.

What is the significance of annual bicycle pilgrimages?

Devotees adorn bicycles with flags and images of the Virgin, making their pilgrimage sacred.

What are Danzantes in the context of cultural practices?

Danzantes are Matechine dancers who use ritual movement to bless space, combining suffering and devotion with artistic expression.

What role do 'backstage players' have in the shrine?

'Backstage players' are volunteers who keep the shrine tidy and are considered indispensable.

What purpose do citizenship workshops serve in the community?

Citizenship workshops provide free legal assistance and 'citizenship' kits, helping devotees address secular issues through sacred practices.

What is the significance of the 'Virgen de los Migrantes' prayer?

The prayer reflects the relocation experiences of devotees and expresses hope and devotion to the Virgin Guadalupe.

How does Joaquín Martínez contribute to political activism?

Joaquín Martínez promotes the sacred space as a venue for learning about legislation related to immigrant rights and family unification.

What challenges does the Second Tepeyac face regarding identity?

The Second Tepeyac faces obstacles from ethnic, class, generational, and citizenship differences, complicating the notion of a pan-Latino identity.

How do shrine organizers promote inclusiveness?

Organizers cultivate an inclusive atmosphere, allowing devotees to maintain individual affiliations while advocating for workers' rights and human rights.

What is the nature of the Querétaro Pilgrimage?

The Querétaro Pilgrimage is a physically demanding 9-day, 120-kilometer walking pilgrimage driven by love for la Virgencita and various personal motivations.

What methodology did the author use to study the pilgrimage?

The author employed a performance studies approach and co-performative witnessing, observing the experiences of women during the pilgrimage.

What are 'Mnemonic Reserves' in the context of pilgrimage?

'Mnemonic Reserves' refer to the patterned movements and memories of pilgrims that inscribe the spaces they traverse.

What was the impact of Pope John Paul II's visit in 1979 on the pilgrimage?

Pope John Paul II's visit encouraged participation in the pilgrimage, increasing attendance significantly.

What is the significance of the Capilla Móvil?

The Capilla Móvil is a portable altar that serves as the center of sacred space along the pilgrimage route, facilitating religious ceremonies.

What are some institutional strategies for defining sacred space during the pilgrimage?

Institutional strategies include guidelines for behavior, dress, and participation, reinforcing the sacred nature of the pilgrimage.

What are some common motivations for women participating in the pilgrimage?

Common motivations include tradition, accountability to the Virgin, and fulfilling promises for miracles.

How do women negotiate family life in relation to the pilgrimage?

Women negotiate leaving home by seeking permission from husbands or simply announcing their departure, often bringing children along.

What does 'devotional capital' refer to in the context of the pilgrimage?

'Devotional capital' refers to the respect and recognition women earn for their time spent away from family responsibilities.

What challenges do pilgrims face during the pilgrimage?

Challenges include external complications like highway construction, negative perceptions of hygiene, and class-based segregation in accommodation.

What is the significance of the chanting during the pilgrimage?

Chanting serves as a form of expression and motivation, reinforcing the communal spirit and purpose of the pilgrimage.

How do women circumvent institutional rules during the pilgrimage?

Women often shop, use mobile phones, and sleep during mass, indicating a flexible approach to the institutional guidelines.

What was the historical context for women's participation in the pilgrimage?

Women's participation was historically restricted by a church decree from 1933 to 1976, which was later sanctioned by Bishop D. Alfonso Toriz Cobián.

What does the phrase 'holiness and unholiness need not always be absolute opposites' imply?

This phrase suggests that the concepts of holiness and unholiness can coexist and are not strictly defined, reflecting the complexities of human behavior.

What is the role of the Virgen de Guadalupe in the pilgrimage?

The Virgen de Guadalupe serves as a central figure of devotion and hope for pilgrims, guiding their spiritual journey.

How do the pilgrimage experiences reflect broader socio-political issues?

Pilgrimage experiences highlight issues such as immigrant rights, family unity, and the intersection of sacred and secular life.

What is the impact of the pilgrimage on local economies?

The pilgrimage stimulates local economies by generating publicity and legitimacy for the Catholic Church and the cult of Guadalupe.

What does the term 'cross-ethnic encounters' refer to in this context?

'Cross-ethnic encounters' refer to interactions among diverse ethnic groups within the pilgrimage, highlighting the complexities of identity and belonging.

What are the 'Ten Rules' for participants in the pilgrimage?

The 'Ten Rules' include guidelines for behavior, dress, and participation, aimed at maintaining the sanctity of the pilgrimage experience.

What is the significance of the pilgrimage for many participants?

It is often the only annual opportunity to leave their communities while remaining connected to family.

What does Cristina's Vow illustrate?

A lifelong commitment to repay a divine favor, specifically saving her daughter during a difficult pregnancy.

How does absence during pilgrimage affect families?

It makes families appreciate women's labor more.

What spiritual journey does Armando undertake?

As an Evangelical Christian, he recognizes the validity of Cecilia's Catholic faith after her pilgrimage.

What are 'peregrinas brujas'?

Pilgrims who arrive first, eat first, and bathe easily with 'magic'.

What distinguishes 'peregrinas turistas' from other pilgrims?

They stay in hotels, have prearranged food, and view their journey as a vacation.

Who are the 'peregrinas de corazón'?

The largest group of pilgrims who walk with faith, sleep anywhere, eat anything, and lack purchasing power.

What is the cost range for participating in the pilgrimage?

Costs include distintivo ($3-$70), sleeping ($30+), luggage transport ($30+), food ($3/meal), showers ($1-$2), and bathrooms ($0.24-$0.57).

What is the role of Sandra Siliceo Valdespino in the pilgrimage?

She aims to unify women and ensure a safe, spiritual environment during the pilgrimage.

What is a distintivo?

A pilgrimage badge that determines walking order and costs between $3 and $70.

What does paying for privilege during the pilgrimage allow?

Pilgrims can pay extra to walk in front groups, signaling wealth without verbal acknowledgment.

What does the term 'Güeras' refer to?

Fair-skinned women at the front of the pilgrimage, often linked to wealth and social standing.

What does the 'Migra' force do during the pilgrimage?

Officials create an impromptu border patrol to ensure compliance with distintivo rules and group order.

How does race and class influence the pilgrimage experience?

Social hierarchies affect how individuals consume the pilgrimage experience and their interactions within it.

What does the media coverage of the pilgrimage include?

The Diario de Querétaro publishes safety articles and spiritual advice, prompting reflection among pilgrims.

What is the purpose of the commemorative video during the pilgrimage?

It documents the journey and reinforces the collective identity of the pilgrims.

What is the significance of the Acueducto de Guadalupe?

It is the last official resting point where pilgrims prepare for their arrival at Tepeyac.

What emotional responses do pilgrims experience at the Modern Basilica?

Many are overcome with emotion and tears during face-to-face contact with the Virgin's image.

What does the collective prayer 'Venimos de Querétaro' signify?

It reinforces religious and regional solidarity among pilgrims.

What is the final blessing given by the priest?

It reiterates guiding principles of personal transformation, sacrifice, and knowing God through the Virgin.