History and Origin of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe
In December 1531, an extraordinary event marked the history of Mexico and of the Catholic faith: the apparitions of Our Lady to Juan Diego, an Indian native of Cuauhtitlan. This story, known as “Nican Mopohua” and written in the Náhuatl language, tells of Juan Diego who, while crossing the peak of Tepeyac, heard a celestial song and saw a beautiful Lady. She revealed herself as the Virgin Mary, Mother of the True God, and asked for a church to be built there.
Mary’s request to Juan Diego to present herself to Bishop Fray Juan de Zumárraga and the subsequent disbelief of the bishop led to the request for a sign. This sign manifested itself in the miracle of the roses blooming in winter and the imprint of the image of Our Lady on Juan Diego’s cloak (tilma). This event not only marked the beginning of devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe but also a turning point in the evangelisation of the new continent.
The Mystery of the Image of Guadalupe
The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, imprinted on Juan Diego’s cloak, is shrouded in mystery and wonder. The tilma, made of maguey fibre, has shown extraordinary incorruptibility, surviving intact for almost five centuries, despite the fact that maguey fibre generally has a much shorter lifespan.
Scientific studies revealed that the colours in the image do not contain any known dyes and that there is no trace of drawing or sketching underneath the colour. Furthermore, an infrared examination confirmed the absence of brush strokes. Another amazing aspect is that the colours in the image appear to float at a distance of three tenths of a millimetre above the fabric, without touching it.
An accident in 1791, in which nitric acid was accidentally poured on the tilma, should have damaged it irreparably. However, the fabric miraculously repaired itself. In addition, the tilma repels dust and insects and maintains a constant temperature similar to that of the human body.
These mysteries, together with the presence of star constellations corresponding to the sky on 12 December 1531 and the discovery of a melody in the stars of the mantle, make the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe a unique phenomenon in the history of the Catholic faith.
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Our Lady of Guadalupe: A Symbol of Inculturation and Unity
Our Lady of Guadalupe represents an extraordinary example of inculturation of the Gospel. Her appearance as a young indigenous woman, wearing clothes reflecting Aztec culture, had a profound impact on evangelisation in Latin America. This manifestation of the Virgin Mary helped to build a bridge between pre-existing traditions and Christianity, facilitating the acceptance of the Christian faith among the indigenous people.
The Virgin of Guadalupe is venerated as the patroness and queen of all Spanish-speaking peoples and of the American continent. Her image has become a symbol of unity and identity for the Latin American faithful, reflecting a message of love, compassion and hope. Her presence continues to be a spiritual and cultural reference point, uniting people of different origins in a common devotion.
12 December: The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
12 December, the day on which the image of Our Lady was imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma, is celebrated as the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This date has become a holiday of precept in Mexico, testifying to the importance of this event in the lives of the faithful. The celebration attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world, especially from Latin America, who come to the shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico City to pay homage and pray.
The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is not only a time of religious devotion, but also an opportunity to reflect on her importance as a symbol of faith, hope and unity. The new prayer dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, composed by the Vatican, further emphasises her central role in Catholic faith and Latin American culture.
Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Vincentians
Devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe is deeply rooted in the spirituality of many Vincentians in Latin America. Vincentians, known for their commitment to serving the poor and promoting social justice, find in Our Lady of Guadalupe a model of charity and service. Her apparition to a humble indigenous man, Juan Diego, and her message of love and compassion resonate with the core values of the Vincentian order.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is seen as an example of humility, strength and dedication, qualities that inspire Vincentians in their daily work. Her feast on 12 December is a significant time for Vincentians around the world, especially in Latin America, to renew their commitment in faith and service to others.
The Importance of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Culture and Faith
Our Lady of Guadalupe is not only a central figure in the Catholic faith, but also a powerful cultural symbol. Her image is ubiquitous in Latin America, representing a meeting point between faith, history and cultural identity. Her apparition had a significant impact on the evangelisation of the continent and continues to be a source of inspiration and hope for millions of people.
The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on 12 December offers an opportunity to reflect on her history and significance in contemporary life. It is a time for the faithful to renew their devotion and for the community to celebrate her enduring influence on Latin American culture and spirituality.
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Our Lady of Guadalupe: A Message of Evangelisation and Hope
Our Lady of Guadalupe is recognised as a powerful symbol of evangelisation. Her image, combining indigenous and Christian cultural elements, played a crucial role in the acceptance of Christianity in Latin America. Her appearance marked a turning point, transforming the initial resistance of the indigenous people into an acceptance of the Christian message. This phenomenon demonstrated how faith can be transmitted and lived in ways that respect and incorporate local culture.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is also a symbol of hope and protection, especially for the most vulnerable and oppressed. Her image has become a reference point for social justice and the defence of human rights, inspiring countless faithful to strive for a more just and compassionate world.
The Eternal Relevance of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe continues to be a source of inspiration and spiritual guidance for millions of people around the world. Her story and message transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, bearing witness to Mary’s universal love and compassion. Her feast day on 12 December is a time to renew faith, celebrate cultural diversity and strengthen commitment to the defence of human dignity.
In honour of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we conclude with a short prayer:
“O Immaculate Virgin of Guadalupe, Mother of the True God and our Mother, we entrust our lives, our families and our communities to you. Guide us with your loving presence and intercede for us with your Son, that we may live in peace, love and harmony. Protect us and inspire us to follow your example of faith and service. Amen.”
Girolamo Grammatico
Communication Office
