The First Church (1944–1963)
In 1944, Most Rev. Charles F. Buddy, the first Bishop of San Diego, authorized the establishment of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Otay, California. The parish register opened on December 12, 1944, with the first baptism celebrated on December 14 by Rev. Vincent Cizauskas, the first pastor (1944–1945). Construction of the first church began with the generous donation of land by the San Martin family, in whose home the first Masses had been held. The small church was located at the corner of Anita and Fresno Streets, with only twelve pews on each side.
From 1945 to 1946, Rev. Paul B. Ward served as pastor, followed by Rev. Theodore J. Hatton (1946–1947) and Rev. J.A. Browne (1947).
That same year, Rev. Jacob A. DeMoor requested from the diocese a permanent priest to serve the Spanish-speaking community. He was assigned pastor and remained for 10 years (1947–1958).
As the number of parishioners grew, plans for a new church began. About one mile from the original site, on 4th Street between Palomar and Oxford, 4.22 acres of land were purchased. Bishop Buddy granted permission to build a larger church of Our Lady of Guadalupe there. Parishioners helped in the construction, but after much discussion, the new church was renamed Most Precious Blood Church and was dedicated in late 1958.
The parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe petitioned the bishop to return to the original site at Anita and Fresno to better serve the Spanish-speaking community.
The Second Church (1963–1993)
In 1958, Rev. Antonio Gallegos was assigned as pastor, though he stayed only briefly. That same year, Rev. Rudolph Galindo was appointed (1958–1968). The church was too small for the growing community, and the bishop approved plans for a much larger church. The new church and rectory were dedicated in 1963 and designated as the Mexican National Church in Otay. Once the construction was paid off, surrounding properties were purchased, and a new parish hall was later added.
Our Lady of Guadalupe became well known for its annual bazaars, queen contests, and Sunday snow-cone sales. To increase parishioner involvement, the Holy Name Society was formed. Many parishioners also participated in the first Spanish Cursillo in San Diego.
In 1968, Rev. Adolphus Chavez was named pastor (1968–1975). The CCD program grew, and in 1969 the Adoration Society was founded. The youth group "Santa Cecilia" performed spiritual plays and folk dances led by Josefina Romero, who organized cultural events for parish feast days and December 12 celebrations. At that time, it was tradition to crown both a parish grandmother and a teenager as queens of May in honor of Our Lady.
From 1975 to 1977, Rev. Edward Connolly served as pastor. With his spirituality and generosity, he fostered a strong sense of community. The Guadalupana Society grew and joined the diocesan-level Confederation.
In 1977, Monsignor Luis Balderas was appointed pastor until 1990, with Rev. Emilio Maldonado as associate. Monsignor Balderas supported Natural Family Planning and family-based evangelization through the Padre Hidalgo Center. He promoted social ministry, encouraged lay leadership, sent seminarians, and supported the permanent diaconate. A parish library was also opened with books for spiritual, educational, and recreational reading.
The Third Church (1993–Present)
In 1987, the Parish Council and Building Committee met with Bishop Leo Thomas Maher to obtain support and a loan for a new church. With the cooperation of many groups (Guadalupanas, Altar Society, Nocturnal Adoration, Knights of Columbus, and the Youth Group), fundraising activities were held, including dances, raffles, tamale and snow-cone sales, queen contests, and parish fiestas.
In 1990, Rev. Bruce Orsborn became pastor (1990–1996). With youthful enthusiasm, he advanced the construction of the new church, completed in 1993. Parishioners even wrote their names on blocks and roof tiles they donated. The rectory was remodeled as a CCD center, the parking lot was expanded, the parish hall kitchen was enlarged, and the offices were computerized.
In 1996, Rev. Mario Vesga became pastor until 2006. Under his leadership, the debt was paid and construction of the new parish hall began, completed in 2006.
From 2006 to 2010, Rev. Pedro Navarra focused on evangelization through courses on Ecclesiology, Mariology, and Bible study, as well as catechesis on the liturgy, sacraments, and liturgical calendar.
From 2010 to 2017, Rev. José Luis Muro emphasized the New Evangelization, with daily exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, expanded hours for confession, participation in the Year of Faith, and the growth of ministries, especially youth groups. In 2012, Deacon Guillermo Valdivia was ordained a permanent deacon. Together, they took young adults to World Youth Day in Brazil. Liturgical and devotional life expanded with the Divine Mercy group, senior lunches, youth soccer, health classes, and English classes. A new crucifix and relocated tabernacle enhanced the sanctuary, while new flooring, pews, and retablo added beauty to the worship space.
From Diocesan to Religious Congregation Administration
In 2017, Bishop Robert McElroy entrusted the parish to the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo (Scalabrinians), whose charism is the pastoral care of migrants, refugees, and seafarers. The first Scalabrinian pastor was Rev. Ramiro Chan, C.S., with Rev. Louis Féliere, C.S. as associate. Though the transition was challenging, the priests worked hard to introduce the Scalabrinian mission and form Scalabrinian lay collaborators, who also support the Casa del Migrante in Tijuana.
In October 2021, Rev. Hily Gonzales, C.S. became pastor, with Rev. Liem Nguyen, C.S. as associate (2020–2023). During the final stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, parish activities were limited, but in early 2022 the "Restore My House Project" began, restoring the church exterior, stained-glass windows, and doors, completed in 2023. Air-conditioning and new fans were also installed, and the restoration of the Guadalupe retablo began in preparation for the parish’s 80th anniversary (2024).
In September 2023, Rev. Rigorberto Olivares, C.S. joined as associate pastor. Parish life returned to normal, with renewed ministries and a new young adult group.
By the end of 2023, with the rising number of refugees in San Diego, the parish began offering overnight shelter for 20 refugees each night, supported by food and monetary donations and volunteers, alongside the Scalabrinian laity.
