Juan Diego was from Mexico; but not the Mexico you and I know. He was from a Mexico that was mostly still Aztec and worshiped false gods. These false gods demanded human sacrifice, so their “priests” said. It’s estimated that between 20,000 and 250,000 people – mostly children – were sacrificed to the gods every year.
Juan, however, was swimming against the tide. He was Catholic, and one of only a few. He was a poor man and was taking care of his dying uncle, minding his own business… when low and behold, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him! She told him that she wanted a church to be built and he was to tell the Bishop. Easy mission right? Not when the Bishop won’t believe you, and wants proof that you’re seeing apparitions from Heaven.
Juan’s uncle suddenly got more ill, and while Juan was rushing to get a doctor he purposefully avoided the hill where Mary appeared to him. She appeared anyway and told him his uncle would be cured. Mary also miraculously showed him where to pick roses (even though it was December) to take to the Bishop. Juan followed her instructions, and when he opened his cloak to show the Bishop the roses there was a beautiful picture of Our Lady on the inside, just as she had appeared to him. The Bishop was stunned at this miracle and had the church built.
What’s so awesome about this story is that Juan Diego was obedient and faithful even when things weren't going well in his life. Because of his trials his virtue shone even brighter. Six million Mexicans converted to Catholicism because of the miraculous image of Our Lady, who pointed them toward the true God, her Son. This huge conversion began in 1531.
Juan, however, was swimming against the tide. He was Catholic, and one of only a few. He was a poor man and was taking care of his dying uncle, minding his own business… when low and behold, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him! She told him that she wanted a church to be built and he was to tell the Bishop. Easy mission right? Not when the Bishop won’t believe you, and wants proof that you’re seeing apparitions from Heaven.
Juan’s uncle suddenly got more ill, and while Juan was rushing to get a doctor he purposefully avoided the hill where Mary appeared to him. She appeared anyway and told him his uncle would be cured. Mary also miraculously showed him where to pick roses (even though it was December) to take to the Bishop. Juan followed her instructions, and when he opened his cloak to show the Bishop the roses there was a beautiful picture of Our Lady on the inside, just as she had appeared to him. The Bishop was stunned at this miracle and had the church built.
What’s so awesome about this story is that Juan Diego was obedient and faithful even when things weren't going well in his life. Because of his trials his virtue shone even brighter. Six million Mexicans converted to Catholicism because of the miraculous image of Our Lady, who pointed them toward the true God, her Son. This huge conversion began in 1531.
The Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Celebrated on December 12th, this feast is a happy day for all. Food and drink are enjoyed by rich and poor alike, and many people will save up their money throughout the year for this special occasion.
A Traditional Dinner Menu for Our Lady's Feast
Sopa de Espinaca con Codito (Spinach soup with macaroni)
Tacos (Stuffed tortillas)
Frijoles Negros (Black beans)
Mole Poblano (Chicken in spiced sauce)
Arroz (Rice) Guacamole (Chopped avocados)
Cajeta (Boiled milk and sugar)
Flan (Custard)
Cafe con Leche (Coffee with milk)
A Traditional Dinner Menu for Our Lady's Feast
Sopa de Espinaca con Codito (Spinach soup with macaroni)
Tacos (Stuffed tortillas)
Frijoles Negros (Black beans)
Mole Poblano (Chicken in spiced sauce)
Arroz (Rice) Guacamole (Chopped avocados)
Cajeta (Boiled milk and sugar)
Flan (Custard)
Cafe con Leche (Coffee with milk)