Guadalupana Society queen candidate: Dominique Gomez

The Guadalupana Society of Madera has announced one of its candidates for queen at its 90th anniversary celebration planned for Oct. 28 at Holy Spouses Hall.

Dominique Gomez, a second year student with State Center Community College District, will be competing for the biennial honor. Queens serve for two years. Gomez has volunteered at the Holy Family Table, which feeds those in need daily, and other service groups, and has been an active member of St. Joachim Catholic Church for 15 years. Her family surpasses her involvement however.

“My family has also been active with St. Joachim’s church for over 50 years, starting with my great grandmother, Carmen Torres, who was an officer of the Guadalupana Society for many years,” Gomez said. “She passed away in 2007.”

This year's celebration will honor her grandmother as well as other past officers and members, according to Carlos Rodriguez, director of events for the society. The celebration will include a dinner, dance and coronation of the society's queen. Tickets are $30 pre-sale and $35 at the door.

“My greatest honor was having the privilege to do the crowning of Mary while I was in eighth grade at St. Joachim’s School,” said Gomez in applying to be a queen candidate. “Ever since I was given the privilege and honor to crown the Virgin Mary, I always knew that I wanted to honor her for the rest of my life. This is why it is an honor to be nominated as queen for the Guadalupana Society as their primary purpose is to honor the virgin.”

The society's president, Leticia Rodriquez, explained the organization’s mission is to honor the mother of Jesus through prayer to her son and by serving others and giving charity in the community. Donations are given every year to different needy groups, such as the seminarians, St. Joachim’s church, children’s school in Haiti, etc.

For tickets, call Rodriguez at 647-5201.