Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration 12/12

Posted under Visions of Mary

“A great sign appeared in the sky,

a woman clothed with the sun,
with the moon at her feet,
and on her head a crown of twelve stars.”
Revelation 12:1 ¹²

Our Lady of Guadalupe appears when the culture and the people are in one of the most difficult times in history, the Spanish conquest of Mexico had taken place a few years before, and when the Aztecs would sacrifice the poorest of their people in religious rituals.  In such fear and confusion, Guadalupe offers hope when they need her most.

Our Lady appeared to a modest Aztec peasant, Juan Diego, in December 1531 at Tepeyac Hill in Mexico. She introduced herself as the “Virgin Mary” and various times she appears and requests a sacred home, a sanctuary to be built for all people who struggle can call upon her. Our Lady of Guadalupe reconciled the conquest and redeemed the conquered. She drew everyone, Europeans and Indigenous under her blanket of love and from this place of refuge, the ‘Mestizo” race was born. Mexico embraced its Mother and proceeded to honor her with devotion.   Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mirabai Starr

December 12 is the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. Pope John Paul II in 1999 proclaimed Our Lady of Guadalupe as the Mother of America, refering to the entire American continent… “Our Lady of Guadalupe is God’s very special gift to America.” 

It’s a tradition and I am still amazed to see the faith of people in Mexico as they travel by foot from far away towns, in procession, and for several days just to visit the Shrine – the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City.  People perform native dances, in colorful indigenous attires outside the Basilica and people pray fervently while walking on their knees towards the sacred Shrine. At midnight is the High Mass and the Basilica is filled with flowers, mostly roses, and Mariachis are playing and musical artists sing in honor of the ‘Virgencita de Guadalupe’.

Thousands of people gather with their families and friends, at the Basilica to visit and celebrate Our Lady.  People come with such gratefulness for miracles already received, or they bring their petitions and prayers knowing that the Virgin of Guadalupe will favor them in their need.  She is the symbol of love, peace, compassion and never-ending hope. 

Our Lady of Guadalupe is not only the Queen of Mexico, but is an icon in all Latin America and in the Latin world.  I personally have respect and devotion to the Blessed Mother for the blessings I have received during my life. I feel her divine light shines on all of us as we trust and believe in her loving aid and sacred energy. 

You can read more about the significant history of Our Lady of Guadalupe and my Miracle Story under the archives category of Visions of Mary: Lady of Guadalupe and Mary Manifestations, June 25, 2009.

Angel blessings to you. Linda. 

View of Basilica of Guadalupe from Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City