Abstract

     Two of the most influential movements in Mexico are the Guadalupano and liberation theology movement. They influenced culture, religion, and history to create modern Mexico. The people de la virgen Maria Guadalupe, popularly known as Guadalupanos, are people who believe in the authenticity of the apparition of Maria Guadalupe and the message that came with that apparition. The message was that of empowerment to the poor indigenous people of Mexico. Maria Guadalupe chose Juan Diego signifying the natives (and later Mexicans) as the chosen people. Liberation theology, which emerged in 1960s, was concerned with oppression and systemic social injustice which was rampant in Latin American. The study intends to show the influence that these two movements have had in Mexican history, religion, and culture. 
     The apparition of Maria Guadalupe is not only a religious symbol, it is a cultural symbol. The image of Maria has come to represent the struggle of the Mexican people. Her message of empowerment has been translated into modern society by social justice movements using her name/image to gather people and bring about change. Any major social movement (including the revolutionary war) in Mexico has had the image of Maria attached to it. Through the years Maria has morphed from simply being an image to becoming part of the Mexican identity and nationalism.
     Liberation theology also gave birth to movements dealing with social justice issues. Because it started in Latin America, liberation theology allowed a unity of the Latin American people to rise above their oppressors. The message of liberation theology has created revolutions and permanent changes to government in many Latin American countries.  
     When examining how both religious movements worked in Mexico between 1960 to the present, a peculiar pattern begins to emerge. Mexico accepted the message of liberation theology very well. In fact, a revolution could have easily started if not for one thing: Maria was already there. The image of Maria Guadalupe has been a call to action, the same action liberation theology has called for. Thus, the following trend started to occur. Liberation theology modified the thinking and practices of the church. It gave validation to Mexicans of the message they had received in 1531: unity among the Mexican people and assurance that they are the chosen people.. This is why when action is needed, the image of Maria is used. The image gathers people under the mother of the nation and offers a platform of peaceful justice. It also calls for unity and compassion among the Mexican people. Even today the image of Maria is being used by the Zapatistas, a Mexican revolutionary movement that is seeking justice and agrarian reforms.
     Although they have had different approaches, Maria Guadalupe and liberation theology carry a similar message, one that has influenced Mexico greatly. The two movements have reshaped the forms of belief and worship, culture, and have instilled a sense of nationalism. Indeed, these movements have become integral to Mexico and continue to shape Mexico to this day.