Deep within the heart of Los Angeles stands Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church. It is a testament to faith, community, and perseverance. The story of this parish is interwoven with the lives of immigrants and the spirit of a city.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish began humbly. Catechism classes were held as early as 1920. The Sisters of Social Services led these classes in the neighborhood. Two or three years later, a small hall was built on Mercury Avenue. It served as a catechetical and social center. This center was part of Sacred Heart Parish. In 1924, it became Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission. Fr. Antonio Arias celebrated Mass in the hall every Sunday.
In 1928, Fr. Alberto Lopez arrived. He was the Mission’s first resident priest. He lived with the Henry Delcano Family. This was because there was no rectory yet. From about 1930 to 1934, the Mission was under the care of Our Lady Help of Christians in Lincoln Heights. In 1934, Sacred Heart Parish gifted a rectory. It was moved to Rosehill. Fr. Jose Maria Gargallo was serving as Administrator at the time. That same year, the Sisters of Holy Family arrived. They continued the religious instruction of the children. Fr. Angel Castellano was named in 1938. Fr. Cornelio Sierra succeeded him. He served from 1942 to 1945.
Our Lady of Guadalupe experienced significant growth. This happened under Fr. Ramon Soriano. He became Administrator of the mission in 1945. In 1954, Our Lady of Guadalupe was established as a parish and he became the Pastor. Fr. Soriano was born in Spain. He came to the United States in 1932. He was stationed at Santa Paula Church in Oxnard and at Sacred Heart Church in Lincoln Heights. He also served as chaplain to General Hospital. In 1951, Fr. Soriano invited the Missionary Sisters of St. Augustine. They were recent refugees from China and the Philippines. They conducted a census and began home visitations.
In 1953, the City of Los Angeles decided to build a playground. This was where Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission stood. Fr. Soriano sought help. With the assistance of Cardinal James Francis McIntyre, he purchased the vacant lot across the street. The mission church was moved there that same year.
Also in 1953, Fr. John Curran, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church, gave Fr. Soriano a two-story apartment. It was moved to the corner of Browne and McKenzie. It became Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent. The Missionary Sisters of St. Augustine had been residing at Dolores Mission. The sisters added religious instruction to their home visitation work. In 1957, the first part of the parish school was built. It included four classrooms and offices. The school opened in September 1957. Mother Marie Lucille, the local Superior of the Missionary Sisters of St. Augustine, was the Principal. Four additional classrooms, a clinic, and a large lower-floor auditorium were added in 1959. On January 22, 1961, Cardinal James Francis McIntyre blessed Our Lady of Guadalupe School. The Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary staffed the school. They had been active in the parish since 1953.
Fr. Soriano remained the Pastor until 1975. He was followed by Fr. Javier Ferrer, Fr. Andres Pisano, Fr. William McLean, and Fr. Juan Enriquez. During Fr. Juan Enriquez’s time as Pastor, major changes were made. In 1994, the Sisters Convent was converted into a Parish Center and Office. This provided a private house for the priests. It also added much-needed meeting space for parish groups. The facade around the church was completed that same year.
Fr. David Gallardo was named Administrator in 1995. This was when Fr. Juan was assigned as Pastor to Guardian Angel Parish in Pacoima. Fr. Roberto Pirrone replaced him until the end of 1996. Fr. Tom Baker was assigned at the beginning of 1997.
Today, Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church continues to be a vibrant center of faith. It offers regular Mass services in both English and Spanish. The church also provides other services. These include adoration, confessions, and devotions. As you stand before Our Lady of Guadalupe, remember the generations who built this community. Their faith shaped this sacred space.