This mural, unveiled Dec 12, 2024, is the latest addition to the depictions of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. The depiction of the Virgin Mary in Roman Catholic theology and tradition in Mexico is a long one - going back to 1531 when she first appeared to a peasant, Juan Diego, in Mexico City. Throughout the centuries, many have prayed to her for miracles, and the association of her image with benevolence is strong. The story of Juan Diego's encounters with her is worth looking up as it frames so much of the history of Spain in Mexico.

This mural is interesting for several reasons. First, it is a glass mosaic mural, made up of more than 1 million half-inch glass tiles. In the bright sunlight, the mural almost shimmers. Second, it is a huge mural on the side of a public housing project - something one wouldn't expect to find in a country where the separation of church and state creates strong opinions. But this is El Paso, where the very souls of many of the residents of the city are intertwined with Roman Catholic theology and rituals. Third, this is the first depiction I've seen here in which the gentle swell of Mary's pregnancy is so evident. There is a lot more iconography traditionally associated with Nuestra Señora in this depiction such as the crown, and the Castilian roses. But there are also icons associated with the Aztecs, giving a nod to Juan Diego's ancestry and that of many modern day El Pasoans.