Our Lady of Guadalupe Young Ladies Sodality Society

Many Catholic parishes had a Young Ladies Sodality Society. The one pictured here from 1944 was the young Ladies Sodality of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish, the oldest Spanish-speaking parish in the city of Chicago. The Sodality societies had several purposes, some religious and some social. Members were usually required to receive Holy Communion monthly and attend mass on Holy Days together. Members were also expected to behave demurely. The society hosted dances, theatrical performances, lectures, and group outings where young girls learned socially and religiously accepted behavior within the framework of the Catholic church. The groups also organized fund-raisers to benefit their parish or various charities. This photograph was donated by Faye Martinez Torres who is pictured in the photo.