History Of The Federation

The idea of unifying the Societies of Our Lady of Guadalupe was a dream for many years.  Joe de la Garza, leader of the unification movement implemented Guadalupana Conventions before he retired from his post as leader of the unification. Simultaneously, Father Eduardo Montemayor was appointed Director of the Office of Evangelization for the Diocese of Corpus Christi and Spiritual Director for the Guadalupanas.

Father Montemayor also shared the dream of a Federation for the Diocese and that this federation would also become a member of the Archicofradía Universal de Santa María de Guadalupe from the Basilica in Mexico City.  Once the seed was planted, a steering committee guided the development of a federation for the Diocese.  With the help of. Rosario Peña, Treasurer of the Guadalupana Federation from San Antonio, the planning, writing of By-laws, and general organization started.

Delegates from several societies joined in the formation of the Federation of Our Lady of Guadalupe Societies in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.  After three years of very hard work, the Federation Constitution and By-laws were approved by Bishop Edmund Carmody, and the first slate of officers was elected in May, 2006.

From 2006 - 2008

The first Federation President was Myrna Rodriguez, a key player in the initial organization of the Federation.  Other Federation officers included 1^st VP—Sara Posas, 2^nd VP—Jesse Garza, 3^rd VP—Eloy Sosa, Secretary—Joyce Farias, and Treasurer—Dora Hidalgo as well as appointees Vice Secretary—Teena Ramirez, Auditor—Senona Casas, Historian—Elena Garza, and Parliamentarian—Ross Rodriguez. The Spiritual Advisor was Father Eduardo Montemayor. The membership consisted of ten societies and several individual members from four parishes. During the successful two-year term  from 2006 -2008, much was accomplished.

From 2008 - 2010

In June, 2008, the second slate of officers was elected. Serving on the Board of Directors were President Maria Betancourt, 3^rd VP Ricardo Verastiqui, and Treasurer Mary Garza, Vice-Secretary Antonia Riojas, Auditor Senona Casas, Parliamentarian Louis Hoelscher, Historian Eva Lara, and Feast Day Planning Committee Chair Elvira Rodriguez.  The Federation included 16 societies and several individual members.

From 2010 - 2012

In May, 2010, the third Board of Directors was elected. Serving for this term were: President: María Betancourt, 1^st VP: Amalia “Molly” Morales, 2^nd VP: Mary Garza, 3^rd VP: Ricardo Verastiqui, Secretary: Hilda Vela, Treasurer: Dora Hidalgo, Vice Secretary: Senona Casas, Auditor: Lupita Flores, Historian: Eva Lara, Parliamentarian: Louis Hoelscher, and Co-chairing the Feast Day Planning Committee: Maria Elena Reyes and Elvira Rodriguez.  In August, 2010, Fr. Eduardo Montemayor was assigned a new location and the Federation was without a Spiritual Director.