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Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine marks 100 years
By Marty Denzer Photos by Megan Marley K ansas City’s first Hispanic immigrants arrived sporadically, seeking work on the Santa Fe Trail and later the Santa Fe and Southern
On Dec. 12, 2022, the Shrine’s centennial will be celebrated. Beginning at 5 a.m., La Mananitas, the “Birthday Song to Our Lady,” will be performed, followed by the Sacred Heart Matachines Dancers and Mass at 6 a.m., with Bishop James Johnston presiding.
Pacific railroads. More Mexicans arrived between 1910 and 1914, displaced by the Mexican Revolution, and increasingly settled along Southwest Boulevard. In 1914, Fathers Jose Munoz and Cyril Cavato arrived in Kansas City after expulsion from Mexico. A few months later, they received Bishop Thomas Lillis’ permission to start a parish.
The parish was to serve Kansas City’s Hispanic and Mexican community, and was named in honor of Mexico’s patron saint, Our Lady of Guadalupe. The first Mass was said in a house at 2341 Holly Street, attended by about 20 families. As Masses were celebrated in homes and in nearby Sacred Heart Parish’s hall at 25th and Madison streets, attendance grew to 200, while Father Munoz, Bishop Thomas Lillis and the Diocese of Kansas City sought funding to build or buy a church. Sacred Heart’s pastor and some parishioners rented a storeroom for Masses, transferring Father Munoz and his little flock to 1120 W. 24th Street. Meanwhile, the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Emmanuel Church building at 23rd and Madison streets came on the market. After months of negotiations, on Oct. 5, 1919, through the efforts of Sacred Heart parishioner
Dr. Thomas E. Purcell, Grand Knight of their Knights of Columbus Council, the diocese purchased the church and rectory for $18,000. Removing Martin Luther’s portrait and adding an altar readied it for Catholic worship. Father Munoz received permission and renamed it Our Lady of Guadalupe, honoring Mexico’s patron saint.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish church was formally dedicated Dec. 12, 1922, by Bishop Lillis.
Her Parish Church has seen highs and lows in 100 years, but Our Lady has kept it alive. In 1990, Bishop John J. Sullivan of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese planned for its closure, as attendance had diminished. Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parishes were to consolidate at Sacred Heart and be renamed Our Lady of Guadalupe. The church with that name would close in February 1991.
Supporters formed Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine Association, directed by longtime parishioners Ramona Arroyo, Teresa Sauceda and George Morales. Their main objective was maintenance and support. A proposal was drafted requesting Bishop Sullivan to preserve it as a shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe. He approved and leased the church/shrine to the association. According to its website, “This Shrine represents the struggle of the Mexican people coming to this country and their devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.” Maintained by the Shrine Association of Sacred Heart-Guadalupe Parish, so named in 1993, the Shrine and its grotto are used for special events, weddings and religious ceremonies dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
