With the Sun lighting the way, parishioners and members of the public gathered at the historic Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Chapel on Saturday May 16, 2026. The event was the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the church. Photoes by Frank X. Moraga © 2026.SEE MORE PHOTOS BELOW.
Also see:
- Arizona Daily Sun — Gallery: Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel celebrates 100 years
FLAGSTAFF — In a scene that harkened back to a time when the few local Catholic Churches hosted capacity crowds during multiple Sunday services, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Chapel enjoyed a resurgence during a Mass held in honor of its 100th anniversary on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Parishioners and community members could be seen standing on either side of the chapel’s pews, while others crowded in the back of the chapel and even outside structure’s heavy wooden front doors.
It was an appropriate turnout for a place that has so much meaning for the local Hispanic community.
“Since its dedication on December 5, 1926, and the inaugural Mass on December 12, 1926, this sacred site has served as the spiritual and cultural heart of the Southside neighborhoods/Barrios. The chapel has remained a steadfast anchor for Flagstaff’s Mexican and Basque communities, preserving Catholic heritage through its school, its status on the National Register of Historic Places, and the work of the Galupanas—devoted caretakers who raise funds for altar coverings…” according to a portion of the official proclamation that was read at the event by members of the of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on May 16. The proclamation was approved at the board’s meeting on May 12.
A City of Flagstaff proclamation was also read by current and former mayors from the city. The event also included a dance performances by the Matachines of San Francisco de Asis Parish and Ballet Folklórico de Colores; musical performances by the all-female Mariachi Orchestra Mariachi Rubor, food for more than 400 guests, tours of the Historical chapel by local historian Johnny Anaya, cultural and historical exhibits, free commemorative magazines and the sale of commemorative 2026 Centennial Celebration T-shirts.
Members of the Galupanas, the devoted caretakers of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel, gather for a group photo at the chapel on May 13 in these photos below.
It was standing room only at the chapel on May 16.
