| Definition: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Memorial of |
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In December of 1531, Our Lady appeared to an Aztec farmer named Juan Diego near a native Aztec shrine in Tepeyac, near present-day Mexico City. She told Juan to go to the bishop and ask that a church be built in that place. When the bishop demanded a sign, Mary instructed Juan to take with him the roses that were blooming there, even though it was December. Returning to the bishop's house, Juan removed his coarse cloak and found that the image of Our Lady was emblazoned on it.
The cloak with its image is still viewed today inside the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe by pilgrims from around the world. Our Lady of Guadalupe was declared the "Patroness of the Americas" by Pope Pius XII in 1954, and again recently by Pope John Paul II. She is widely revered throughout our hemisphere and receives special affection from Native Americans and Hispanic communities. The feast is celebrated on December 12. |
Source:
Youth Update Glossary
St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2002 |