Gallagher Group International Selected as Licensing Agent for Virgin of Guadalupe Images in the U.S.

Washington, D.C. Communications Firm Will Market Images of Mexico's Patron Saint

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Gallagher Group International, LLC, in partnership with its affiliated company member HMA Ventures, a full service marketing and communications firm specializing in multicultural communications, was selected as licensing agent for images of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico's patron saint, to be sold in the United States. Portions of the proceeds will benefit programs run by the Basilica of Guadalupe including Clinica Movil, where alongside the Mexican Red Cross, The Basilica of Guadalupe's Nursing School provides emergency and pre-hospitalization services; and Voluntariado de Guadalupe, a program through which the Basilica provides clothing, food, and general outreach to the poor in Mexico City.

The Virgin of Guadalupe is a symbol of significant importance to the Mexican identity. Mainstream Catholics as well as Latino Catholics in the United States (29 million) believe that Guadalupe was a manifestation of the Virgin Mary in the Americas, and recognize her as "Empress of the Americas." The 16th century Roman Catholic Mexican icon embraces the depiction of an apparition of the Virgin Mary. It is Mexico's most popular religious and beloved cultural image, and the Vatican, with the embrace of Pope John Paul II, named Our Lady of Guadalupe patron of the Americas on January 22, 1999.

"We are truly excited that Gallagher Group International and HMA Ventures has been selected to represent this spiritual icon and offer the community a selection of images that can only be found in the tomb of the Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe in Mexico City," said Elizabeth Gallagher, CEO and Founder of Gallagher Group International.

In 2006, the Basilica of Guadalupe, the most important religious building in Mexico, sought to organize the licensing use of the Virgin Guadalupe images to support their social programs. This symbolic building houses the original apron of Juan Diego that shows the icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 1531, a Native American named Juan Diego shared his vision of a woman near what is now Mexico City. The vision said she was the Virgin Mary and told Diego to build a church on the site. Diego contacted the local bishop who asked for a sign. Diego returned to the site, where he gathered a bouquet of roses in his cloak, even though it was winter. An image of the vision appeared on the cloak, which should have deteriorated in 20 years. To this day, however, it shows no sign of decay. This is an important pilgrimage site and is host to millions from around the world annually, especially on Our Lady of Guadalupe's Feast day, which is December 12th.

"The selection process began in 2006, and we are pleased to have Gallagher Group International and its affiliated member company HMA Ventures represent our most precious spiritual and beloved images," said Monsignor Diego Monroy Ponce, rector of the Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe in Mexico city. The basilica sought a licensing agent that understood the cultural relevancy of these beloved icons. The licensing agent group will also market never released images of both Virgin Guadalupe and Juan Diego with a special hologram design that will certify the new licensing product distribution that will support social programs of the basilica. All of the licensed images will have three official seals: those of the Basilica, Norberto Cardinal Rivera, and the Archbishop of the Basilica of Guadalupe.

Vendors seeking to join this licensing program should contact Yvonne Garcia, Executive Vice-President of HMA, at 202-342-0676.