Mi Virgen Morena...Mi poderosa...today we honor you... Why is she so important to me …Well, for most, she is regarded as the guardian of women and children, so even as I grew up, she is still something I attach to culturally. I have countless images of her, ranging from statues, to photos to bottle openers to earrings and even a keychain I carry that reads “Cuidame, madre mia” (Take care of me, my mother). Even for men, because she is a mother figure, she often used to curb violence and ignite a sense of respect in them. People often believe she is used to oppress the people, guilting them through adamant emphasis of religion. While I understand where this idea could come from, the feeling brought about by la Virgen is nothing short of love and admiration. She brings tears to the eyes of many Latinos and statues and photos of her keep loving, watchful eyes on one’s house or business. For me, having something of a patron saint specifically for my gender feels empowering. No longer is religion about the power of a man, and la Virgen honors the idea that “the mother of God is God, for without her He would not be.”
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 17:50:06 +0000