About Our Lady of Guadalupe · Sacramento, California
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) in Sacramento, California is a Roman Catholic parish and shrine serving primarily the Spanish-speaking Catholic community of the region. Established in 1958 at its current site on T Street and dedicated to the Marian apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas and co-patroness of the Diocese of Sacramento, it is one of the largest Hispanic parishes in Northern California, offering all of its Masses in Spanish. The shrine is famously the resting place of Venerable Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, OAR, the 'Bishop of the Barrios,' whose cause for sainthood is open. It belongs to the Diocese of Sacramento and is administered from the parish office at 1909 7th Street.
- Established
- 1958
- Patron
- Our Lady of Guadalupe (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) — patroness of the Americas and co-patroness of the Diocese of Sacramento
- Rector
- Rev. Juan F. Bracamontes-Mojaraz (Parochial Administrator); Rev. Mauricio Hurtado (Priest-in-Charge Pro-Tem)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Sacramento (Sacramento County, City Deanery)
Why belong here
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe offers a deeply rooted Spanish-language Catholic home in the heart of Sacramento, where every Mass is celebrated in Spanish and office staff are fully bilingual. With 18 Masses per week (including six on Sundays and a Saturday vigil), daily confession, weekday adoration, and an active youth and young adult ministry (Guadalupanos, Tacos y Teología, SEARCH retreats), it serves as a gathering place for the Hispanic Catholic faithful across the diocese. Pilgrims also come to venerate the tomb of Venerable Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, making it both a vibrant parish church and a national pilgrimage destination.
Mass times at Our Lady of Guadalupe
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Thursday: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Before Sunday Masses
- By appointment (held in the Sanctuary lobby office)
Adoration times
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (per diocesan directory)
- Last Saturday of the month: 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM in St. Stephen's Hall (Gymnasium)
History of the National Shrine
The community's story begins in 1945 as a chapel extension of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, established specifically to serve the Hispanic Catholic population of Sacramento. In 1958 the parish moved to its current T Street location under founding pastor Rev. Anthony Maio, with the mission-style church designed by architect Harry Devine dedicated in December of that year. It was raised to a diocesan parish in 1969 and designated a National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1978. The shrine is also the resting place of Venerable Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, OAR, who served as its pastor from 1983 until his tragic death in 1991.
Venerable Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, OAR
Bishop Alphonse (Alfonso) Gallegos, OAR (1931–1991), an Augustinian Recollect, was named Auxiliary Bishop of Sacramento by Pope John Paul II in 1981 and appointed pastor of the National Shrine in 1983. Known as the 'Bishop of the Barrios,' he was a champion of Hispanic Catholics, immigrants, the poor, the unborn, and Sacramento's youth — particularly those at risk of gang involvement. He died on October 6, 1991, after being struck by a car on the highway near Gridley while returning to Sacramento. His cause for canonization was opened in 2006 and on July 8, 2016, Pope Francis declared him Venerable in recognition of his heroic virtues. His remains are entombed in a side chapel of the shrine, accessible for prayer and the seeking of his intercession.
- Born February 20, 1931 in Albuquerque, NM
- Ordained May 24, 1958 (Augustinian Recollect)
- Auxiliary Bishop of Sacramento, 1981–1991
- Pastor of the National Shrine, 1983–1991
- Died October 6, 1991 near Gridley, CA
- Declared Venerable by Pope Francis, July 8, 2016
- Motto: 'Love One Another' (John 13:34)
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The parish's Formación en la Fe office, located in the Holy Angels building, offers sacramental preparation for children and adults. Pre-Communion and pre-Confirmation classes meet weekly, and adult catechesis through the RICA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process is offered for those preparing to enter the Church or complete their sacraments.
- Pre-Communion & Pre-Confirmation (children)
- Communion & Confirmation classes (Sundays 9:00–10:30 AM)
- RICA for adults (Sundays 9:00–10:00 AM)
- Catechist formation course (begins Friday, July 11, 6:00 PM)
- Office hours: Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri 5–7 PM; Sundays 10 AM–2 PM
Youth, Young Adult & Family Ministry
The shrine is a regional hub for Hispanic youth and young adult ministry in the Diocese of Sacramento. The Grupo de Jóvenes Guadalupanos gathers young adults ages 18–39 each Thursday at 7:00 PM and hosts the popular Tacos y Teología nights on the third Thursday of each month. Adolescent youth groups and the SEARCH retreat movement (four three-day retreats per year) round out the ministry.
- Grupo de Jóvenes Guadalupanos (Thursdays 7 PM)
- Tacos y Teología (third Thursday of the month)
- SEARCH Sacramento retreats
- Renovación Católica Carismática Hispana
- Talleres de Oración y Vida
Sacraments
Sacramental preparation for Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage is coordinated through the parish Faith Formation office. Adult initiation is facilitated through the RICA process. The parish also celebrates quinceañeras and other family milestones within its Hispanic Catholic tradition.
- Baptism (registration with birth and baptismal certificates)
- First Communion
- Confirmation
- Matrimony
- Anointing of the Sick
- RICA (adult catechumenate)
Pilgrimage, Shrine & Devotions
As a National Shrine, the parish welcomes pilgrims throughout the year, with particular devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe culminating around her December 12 feast day. Inside the church, three large images of Our Lady of Guadalupe adorn the sanctuary, and a replica of the Shroud of Turin is on exhibit alongside information about its scientific examination. The tomb of Venerable Bishop Gallegos in a side chapel draws those seeking his intercession, and a sanctuary bookstore provides religious materials.
- Three large images of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Tomb of Venerable Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, OAR
- Shroud of Turin exhibit
- Sanctuary bookstore
- December 12 feast day celebrations
- Last Saturday overnight adoration (6:30 PM – 11:30 PM) in St. Stephen's Hall
Architecture & Sacred Art
The mission-style church was designed by architect Harry Devine and dedicated in December 1958. Its interior is distinguished by three large images of Our Lady of Guadalupe, beautiful dark wood altars, sconces supporting statues precious to the community, and a replica of the Shroud of Turin on display.
Clergy & Staff
The shrine is currently administered by Rev. Juan F. Bracamontes-Mojaraz as Parochial Administrator, with Rev. Mauricio Hurtado serving as Priest-in-Charge Pro-Tem. Sr. Violeta Morales coordinates Religious Education, and Sr. Soledad oversees the catechist formation program. The office staff is fully bilingual.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Anthony Maio1958 (founding pastor, oversaw building of the church)
Oversaw construction of the mission-style church designed by Harry Devine, dedicated December 1958.
- Legionaries of Christ (LC)Prior to 1983
Administered the shrine for a period.
- Rev. Alphonse (Alfonso) Gallegos, OAR1983–1991
Auxiliary Bishop of Sacramento; Venerable; 'Bishop of the Barrios'; died Oct. 6, 1991; entombed at the shrine.
- Rev. Francisco Hernandez
Listed as pastor in older diocesan directory entries and California Catholic Daily.
- Rev. Lino, LC
Listed as pastor in localwiki historical entry.