FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, DECEMBER 12, 2024

"My son, Juan Diego, whom I love tenderly as a delicate little one."

MASS READINGS:

On Saturday morning December 9, 1531, Juan Diego (formally named Cuauhtlatohuac before his baptism) was on his way to a nearby barrio to attend Mass in honor of Our Lady. Walking by a hill called Tepeyac he heard beautiful music. A radiant cloud appeared, and within it stood an Indian maiden dressed like an Aztec princess.

Our Lady of Guadalupe spoke to him in his own language.

On the same day she sent him to speak to the Franciscan Bishop Juan de Zumarraga of Mexico. She wanted a chapel built just where she had appeared. Unfortunately, the Bishop refused. Again she appeared to him on the same day on his way home. She appeared three more times to Juan Diego.

Unable to convince the Bishop and busy caring for his uncle, on the fourth day Juan Diego took a different route, intent on avoiding the Lady. As all good mothers do, she found her son, Juan Diego. "No estoy yo aquí, que soy tu madre?" * Assuring him that his uncle would recover, the lovely lady provided roses for Juan to carry to the bishop in his cape or tilma

On December 12, when Juan Diego opened his tilma in the bishop’s presence, the roses fell to the ground, and the bishop sank to his knees. On the tilma where the roses had been appeared an image of Mary exactly as she had appeared at the hill of Tepeyac.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Old Basilica- Capilla del Cerrito on Tepeyac Hill.

REFLECTION

 "No estoy yo aquí, que soy tu madre?" * 

Am I not here, am I not your mother?* Looking back in our lives, we are Juan Diego. Memories take us back to our mothers, abuelas, tias who loved us. They were the first taste of love, the kindness and sacrifices that it embodies. I remember the chats, the teachings, the home made dresses, the caresses.

God's tenderness is shown in His Mother. Her love is like the love of God. Imagine Juan Diego avoiding Mary and she taking care of his uncle and chasing after Juan. Such tenderness when she speaks to him.

Do we feel the love of God and Mary in our lives? Today at Mass, experience this love and tenderness of God and His Mother Mary who caresses us like a mother.

God Bless You