Photo by James A. McBride
In left photo, worshippers hold images of Mary at the blessing of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine at St. Lawrence Church, Lindenwold, on Sunday, Oct. 30.
In 1531 Mary appeared four times to Juan Diego, a poor Indian, on Tepeyac Hill outside modern-day Mexico City and instructed him to tell the bishop she wanted a church built at the site. The bishop complied with the request after being convinced of the genuineness of the apparition by the evidence of a life-size image of Mary, which miraculously appeared on the saint’s outer garment.
In 1754 Pope Benedict XIV declared Dec. 12 as the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She was later designated patroness of the Americas. Pope John Paul II canonized Juan Diego in Mexico City. His feast day is Dec. 9.
The Guadalupe image, which continues to baffle scientists, is now the most recognizable religious symbol in Latin America, and devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe is a favorite of Catholics throughout the Americas. The Guadalupe icon has been adopted by numerous causes, including the pro-life movement, which entrusts the unborn to the pregnant Madonna’s protection.
Mexico City’s Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where the saint’s tilma is enshrined, is the most visited Marian shrine in the world, according to the Apostolate for Holy Relics.
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