Interviewer : Natalie Garza

Project : University of Houston

Having lived on N St. Charles for sixty two years, Petra Guillen has seen her neighborhood change through her association with Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. She discusses why and how her family migrated from Mexico to Texas and the story of how she obtained citizenship. Petra discusses the limitations for Mexican communities seeking a Catholic Church, either not allowed in the churches or forced to sit in the back during service. Petra recalls the Mexican communities and the founding of Catholic churches in their communities. As a young woman, Petra taught catechism to children and lived in a convent where she learned to play piano from a nun, and discusses the daily duties of the convent. She discusses language Our Lady of Guadalupe, from separate services performed in different languages, to the small presence of Vietnamese churchgoers. A mother of thirteen, Petra’s attitudes about religion are unveiled through stories about her children. In addition, she repeats her devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, making a promise with her husband to never move away and buying a house that was nearby the church. Petra discusses the history of the church and its current status, some of the organizations and events, and a trip the church members take to San Juan.