MENUDO HALL
MENUDO HALL
By Ricardo Garcia
I was raised in a Native and Chicano Catholic household. My church, in East San José, California, was Our Lady of Guadalupe (OLG). My first pastor was Father Donald McDonnell who was also César Chávez’s mentor. Together they fought and advocated for the rights of the poorest here in the area that is now known as Silicon Valley.
“My first pastor was Father Donald McDonnell who was also César Chávez’s mentor.”
The ethnic make-up of my church includes the brown-skinned, poorest of the poor, Mexican and Native residents of my neighborhood. The church is located on Kammerer Street and Sunset Avenue in the Mayfair District of San José, also known as “Sal si puedes” or “Get out if you can.” The name is said to have originated from how our community was devoid of paved streets, sidewalks, and a sanitary sewage waste system, and it was populated by the broad-shouldered working class. Through César’s and Father McDonnell’s community organizing, the residents successfully pressured local governments for much-needed services.
“The name is said to have originated from how our community was devoid of paved streets, sidewalks, and a sanitary sewage waste system, and it was populated by the broad-shouldered working class.”
My mom was an active member of a service organization known as Las Guadalupanas made up of Mexican-American women committed to providing leadership and addressing social concerns. My mother was not the only one involved. Both of my parents were totally immersed in the Guadalupanas’ special ministry known as Menudo Hall.
“Both of my parents were totally immersed in the Guadalupanas’ special ministry known as Menudo Hall.”