Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Lady from Heaven

My humble friend
Were are you going?

To your church
To see your priests

tell them that I, in person
the ever-virgin Holy Mary
Mother of God, sent you

And so he did but,
They did not believe him
And asked for a sign

Gather those roses
And give them to the bishop

And so he did

Unfolding his mantel
Her image appeared
For all to see

Till this day

Her last words to Juan Diego

“Hear me and understand well, my son the least, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything. Do not be afflicted by the illness of your uncle, who will not die now of it. be assured that he is now cured.”

“Climb, my son the least, to the top of the hill; there where you saw me and I gave you orders, you will find different flowers. Cut them, gather them, assemble them, then come and bring them before my presence.”

“My son the least, this diversity of roses is the proof and the sign which you will take to the bishop. You will tell him in my name that he will see in them my wish and that he will have to comply to it. You are my ambassador, most worthy of all confidence. Rigorously I command you that only before the presence of the bishop will you unfold your mantle and disclose what you are carrying. You will relate all and well; you will tell that I ordered you to climb to the hilltop, to go and cut flowers; and all that you saw and admired, so you can induce the prelate to give his support, with the aim that a temple be built and erected as I have asked.”

No estoy yo aquí que soy tu Madre? ( PALABRAS DE LA SANTISIMA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE AL BEATO JUAN DIEGO EN EL TEPEYAC DICIEMBRE DE 1531.)

Apparitions of Guadalupe

The Apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe refer to a series of events in December 1531, when a woman who identified herself as the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Juan Diego, an indigenous man, near Mexico City. This phenomenon has profound historical, cultural, and religious significance, particularly in Mexico and among Catholics worldwide.

History

The Apparition: The first apparition reportedly occurred on December 9, 1531, on Tepeyac Hill. Juan Diego, who was a recent convert to Christianity, was approached by the Virgin Mary, who asked him to build a church on that site. She spoke to him in his native Nahuatl language, emphasizing her maternal role and compassion.

Cultural Context: The apparitions occurred during a period of significant upheaval in Mexico, characterized by the Spanish conquest and the subsequent conversion of indigenous peoples to Christianity. The message of Guadalupe resonated deeply within indigenous culture, offering them a sense of hope and belonging in a time of enormous change.

The Miracle of the Roses: On December 12, Juan Diego returned to the bishop, Juan de Zumárraga, with the request for a church. The bishop was skeptical and asked for a sign. Mary instructed Juan Diego to gather roses from the top of Tepeyac Hill, which were not native to the area in December. Juan Diego presented these roses, and when he opened his tilma (a cloak), an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe was miraculously imprinted on it.

Establishment of the Shrine: Following the apparitions, a church was built on Tepeyac Hill, which became a significant pilgrimage site. The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is now housed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, which is one of the most visited religious sites in the world.

Message

Compassion and Protection: The message of Our Lady of Guadalupe emphasizes compassion, maternal love, and protection for all people, particularly the marginalized and oppressed. The Virgin appeared as a mestiza (of mixed indigenous and Spanish descent), symbolizing unity and reconciliation between different cultures.

Faith and Conversion: The apparitions led to a rapid increase in conversions to Christianity among indigenous peoples. The Virgin is viewed as a bridge between their traditional beliefs and the new faith.

Social Justice: Over the centuries, the figures of the Virgin of Guadalupe and Juan Diego have been embraced as symbols of social justice and indigenous rights, especially in contemporary movements that address inequality and oppression.

Legacy

Cultural Impact: The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a national symbol of Mexico and is widely recognized across Latin America and among Hispanic communities in the United States. She is invoked in various cultural expressions, including art, music, and literature.

Religious Significance: The Virgin of Guadalupe is regarded as the patroness of Mexico and is celebrated on December 12. Pilgrimages and other religious observances honor her role in the Catholic faith.

Identity and Unity: Guadalupe has become a symbol of identity for many Mexicans and for people of Mexican descent around the world. Her message of unity and acceptance continues to resonate in discussions of cultural identity and social justice.

Global Influence: The devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe has spread beyond Mexico, influencing Catholic communities globally. Her image has become a powerful symbol of hope and love, transcending cultural and national boundaries.

In summary, the Apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe represent a pivotal moment in history that fostered an enduring message of faith, compassion, and cultural identity, leaving a rich legacy that continues to inspire millions around the world.

More to read and view

Message of Guadalupe

Let us pray with our brothers and sisters of the America’s!

Time to learnSee the options

Make your own website & learn affiliate marketing

Options