Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared on December 9,10, and 12, 1531 at Tepeyac Hill, Mexico, to St. Juan Diego, a 57 yr. old widower (considered to be an old man during that time), and a humble, simple native Mexican Aztec; a new convert, who was willing to walk barefooted several miles to attend Mass and catechetical classes.
Our Lady appeared as a beautiful young lady, bright as the rising sun, carrying Jesus in her womb - Sto. Niño de Vientre. In the cover painting, the baby Jesus is surrounded by the singing birds proclaiming the dawn of salvation from the first moment of His conception in the womb of the Blessed Mother.
The Blessed Virgin has been called Our Lady of Guadalupe because the native Aztec word she used "tecoataxopeuh" sounded like Guadalupe, a title of Mary in Extremadura, Spain. The meaning of the word reminds us of her Immaculate Conception, "the one who crushes the head of the serpent."
The devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe reminds us of the greatest value of life in the context of home/family/community that starts in the womb, and continues to grow in all forms of community whose primary objective is to respect, protect, and nourish life within them.
She carried and shared Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life. Through this devotion Mary offers Jesus in the womb (Sto. Niño de Vientre) to the unbelieving world that threatens life, from the womb onwards.
Here are the list of different names associated to Our Lady of Guadalupe;
• Patroness of the Indigenous, Native People
• Miraculous Virgin
• Patroness of Nature primarily of human life from the womb onwards, and patroness of of ecology.
• Patroness of those who want to have a child
• Patroness of Elders
• Patroness of Photographers
December 12, (2 days ago) Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I went to National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Orense St., Makati City, Philippines.
I remember my childhood days, every feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Holy week my Mother wants me to go to Guadalupe Church (then name) together with my cousins and friends.
Me and My Mother's Friend
Though I no longer live in Makati City (where I grew up), I always go back to the place for Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe left a Miraculous Image of her appearance to Juan Diego's cactus fiber cloak, or tilma, which still exists today for all to see in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
The tilma remain intact until now despite its weak material and the explosion of a bomb near it.
According to Modern Science, the image shows no sign of deterioration after 450 years! The tilma or cloak of Juan Diego on which the image of Our Lady has been imprinted, is a coarse fabric made from the threads of the maguey cactus. This fiber disintergrates within 20-60 years!
According to Kodak of Mexico, the image is smooth and feels like a modern day photograph. (Produced 300 years before the invention of photography.)
In National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe they have a replica of Juan Diego's tilma from Mexico City.
Many come here to give thanks or to ask for miracles. For those who are sick and physically, morally and spiritually weak, that they may receive healing and strength, through the intercession of Mother Mary.
Memorare of Our Lady of Guadalupe (to be prayed each day)
Our Lady of Guadalupe wants us to appreciate and celebrate life, made in the image and likeness of God.
