Heart of the East Side

More than just a place of worship, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church has long been a spiritual, cultural, and organizing hub for East San Jose’s Mexican American community.

Founded in 1953, the church was built not only to serve the growing population of Catholic families on the East Side, but also as a response to the social and economic marginalization of the area. From the beginning, Guadalupe was rooted in faith and activism — a sanctuary for community gatherings, civil rights organizing, and cultural celebration.

It became a center of resistance and empowerment, with figures like César Chávez and leaders from the United Farm Workers joining in prayer and protest alike (even Robert Kennedy paid a historic visit in 1968). To this day, Our Lady of Guadalupe stands as a symbol of dignity, resilience, and cultural pride — a sacred space where faith meets justice, and where community still comes together.

Fun fact, the artist’s own grandfather, Tomas Cortez helped renovate – along with many community members- the original parish into the hall that it is today.

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