Hidden within the sprawling Basilica de Guadalupe complex stands the Old Parish Church of the Indians. This unassuming building is more than just old stones. It whispers tales of faith resilience and revolution.
The Capilla de la Virgen Disco though not explicitly named in the provided text is strongly implied to be part of the Old Parish Church of the Indians. This church served the indigenous population. It was a vital center for evangelism and religious services. A brotherhood of indigenous peoples was established there in 1679.
Imagine the weight of history within these walls. The original sacred image of the Virgin of Guadalupe resided here from 1695 to 1709. Before its transfer to the old Basilica. This church housed the banner that Miguel Hidalgo carried during the Mexican War of Independence from 1853 to 1896. A symbol of a nation’s struggle for freedom.
The sacristy holds remnants of even older structures. Bishop Zumarraga built the first hermitage in 1531. Bishop Montúfar replaced it in 1556. A third church from 1622 vanished leaving only its memory. The richly decorated wooden ceiling of the third church is remembered as “the coffered ceiling church”.
This place endured hardship. Serious deterioration left it roofless until 1998. It reopened on the 450th anniversary of Juan Diego’s death. A testament to the enduring spirit of faith and the importance of this place.
Today the Old Parish Church of the Indians is a beloved part of the parish. It hosts special masses sermons and events. Daily mass is held at 8 am Sunday through Friday. The Capilla de la Virgen Disco though unnamed directly is a place where faith history and the struggle for independence intertwine. A quiet corner of a bustling complex teeming with stories. It invites reflection on the past. Its history resonates even today.