Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” – Revelation 12:1.

Who is this woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, on her head a crown of twelve stars? These days of Advent pause to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, reflecting on the apparitions of the Virgin Mother to Juan Diego.

We need to go back in time to 1531, when Our Lady appeared to this native convert four times. She spoke to him in his native language. A member of the Chichimec people, she instructed him to ask the bishop to build her a church.

A moving legend is told of how the bishop was finally persuaded to build the shrine. Mary helped Juan collect mysterious roses and arranged them in his cloak (tilma). When the cloak was open before the bishop, the beautiful image of Mary appeared. To Juan Diego, she said, “I am the ever Virgin Mary, Mother of the True God.”

Within ten years of the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe, practically the entire Mexican people, nine million strong, converted to Christianity. Miracles were experienced through prayers inspired by the humility of this woman pregnant with a child. People returned to hearing the gospel and receiving the Eucharist.

Saint Peter Julian said Mary led him to her son in the Blessed Sacrament. Mary is named in the Rule of Life #14 as “voice of the poor and the lowly.” Take time this Advent to listen to the gentle voice of Mary and prepare your heart to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Let us pray:

Gracious Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, hear the prayers of all who call upon you. In your appearance on the mount of Tepeyac, you promised to show your compassion towards all who, loving and trusting you, seek your help with their needs and troubles. Amen.