In 1531, a young Indian peasant, Juan Diego experienced a Marian apparition. Mary's message was one of "love and compassion, help and defense." Speaking in Juan Diego's native tongue, she identified herself as his "merciful mother."

Later, under Mary's guidance, Juan Diego presented himself before the bishop. As he opened his cloak filled with roses he had collected from the site of the apparition, there appeared an image of the Mother of God.

Continuing today, early in the morning of December 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Mexican American community gathers outside the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Mexico City to sing songs honoring Mary. Mariachi style music fills the streets. People process into the church and pray for Mary's intercession. Afterwards, they gather together to eat sweet bread and drink a hot chocolate drink known as champurado. This celebration strengthens and unifies Mexican Americans, melding together ethnic pride with faith in God.


The feast day also acknowledges Our Lady of Guadalupe as the Empress of the Americas. It is celebrated with novenas, prayers, rosaries and Masses.


Family Activity

	We often think of roses when we think of Mary, especially as Our Lady of Guadalupe. Use magazines and garden catalogs to find pictures of roses to cut out. Together, make a collage of them. You can add the name "Mary" somewhere in the collage. Display for the whole family to enjoy.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.