SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, a beloved spiritual leader who died in 1991, is at rest in Sacramento’s National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

Known as the “Bishop of the Barrios,” Gallegos ministered to at-risk youth in the low-income neighborhoods of Los Angeles and Sacramento. The bishop was recognized by Pope Francis in 2006 as Venerable, a step closer to his canonization. 

While Gallegos is considered for sainthood, many who knew him plan to honor his contributions and those of the indigenous and Latin communities he served with the Indigenous & Latino Heritage Mural project. On July 20, a fundraiser was held at Southside Park to raise money and celebrate the culture. The mural will be on the amphitheater wall across the street from where he rests.

Alexandria Velazquez and her father, Raphael, were impressed by the artwork displayed for the new mural. 

“Since I was little, my favorite part after church was going to look at the murals inside the amphitheater,” Alexandria Velazquez said. “Now, we’ll be able to see a mural when we exit the church. It’s uplifting to see our culture represented.”

Residents might be aware that the amphitheater front is already graced with a colorful mural of Latin American heritage but the back of the wall has been blank. 

Richard Alcala and others organized 11 local artists to paint 14 panels. Gallegos will be memorialized on the center panel, where he will be surrounded by the rich, vibrant history of his community. 

“The first three panels will be dedicated to Miwok, Maidu and Nisenan tribes. We will show journalists, radio and TV personalities, educators and sports heroes too,” said Alcala, who knew Gallegos. “One panel will depict the 1966 march of Cesar Chavez. And we’ll recognize politicians like California Governor Romualdo Pacheco and Sacramento Mayor Joe Serna Jr., as well as today’s leaders, such as City Council Representative Eric Guerra. We also have a panel for astronaut Jose Hernandez. He sent me a nice thank you for adding him to the mural.”

The mural’s bottom will be lined with colorful lowrider cars, which Gallegos was known to bless before cruises. Work is scheduled to begin in October and the mural should be completed by the end of November. 

As Alcala greeted donors and friends, Nadine Haduca stood at her art booth. Haduca, an empowerment coach and local artist, was recommended to Alcala by California Auto Museum staff who appreciate her artistic contributions there. 

“I’m half Mexican and am proud to express that side of my culture,” said Haduca, who is also Filipino. 

Both cultures have a significant history in California’s farming community and played a pivotal role in the founding of the United Farm Workers Union, which aims to enhance working conditions and wages. 

Artist Jose Lott will represent the agricultural significance in his piece called “Maidens of the Corn.” Lott, an artist and muralist for more than 30 years, teaches Chicano drawing classes at the Washington Community Center located at 16th and B streets. 

“Corn was the foundation for Mesoamerica,” Lott said. “The opportunity to store and maintain a food source allowed civilizations to develop.” 

The Maidens of the Corn folklore is spread throughout many Latin American cultures, including the Olmec, Maya, Inca, Aztec and Toltec. The Maidens connect the culture to natural world lessons such as the changing of the seasons and appreciating life’s abundance.

Aztec blessings opened the July 20 event and the Oaxaca dancers performed to folklorico music in bright, traditional Huipil dresses. The Danny Sandoval Band followed and played as mural donors enjoyed food and chatted with friends. 

Vida de Oro Foundation manager Erica Soria helped organize the event, along with William Franco III of the Veterans Affiliate Council. Both will continue fundraising for the mural. 

Soria likes to acknowledge those who display excellence in her community. Sacramento Police Officer Stephanie Ugalde was at the entrance greeting guests.  Soria is nominating her for a “Do Good Heroes” award from National Life Group. The organization recognizes first responders throughout the United States who go above and beyond in their jobs. 

“We appreciate her coming out. She’s invaluable because she’s an inviting presence to our guests and does it on her time off,” Soria said. “It really means a lot to all of us during a difficult time in our community.” 

Asked what she thought of the mural project, Uglade replied, “I think it’s beautiful and bringing the community together to create something amazing.” 

By the end of November, thanks to the efforts of these artists, Gallegos will be pictured presiding over his beloved community and inspiring new generations.

Those who would like to donate to the mural can visit calvac.org.