Patroness of the AmericasAn elderly Indian man named Chuauhtlatoczin ("Juan Diego" in Spanish) had a vision of Mary, the mother of Jesus, at Tepeyac, a squalid Indian village outside of Mexico City, 467 years ago. Mary directed Juan Diego to tell the bishop to build the church in Tepeyac. The Spanish bishop, however, dismissed the Indian’s tale as mere superstition. He asked that he bring some sort of proof, if he wanted to be taken seriously. Three days later, the Virgin Mary appeared again and told Juan Diego to pick the exquisitely beautiful roses that had miraculously bloomed amidst December snows, and take them as a sign to the bishop. When the Indian opened his poncho to present the roses to the bishop, the flowers poured out from his poncho to reveal an image of the Virgin Mary painted on the inside of the poncho. That image hangs today in the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City and is venerated by thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin of Guadalupe, that in your apparitions on Mount Tepeyac, you
promised to show pity and compassion to all who, loving and trusting you, seek your help and protection.
Accordingly, listen now to our supplications and grant us consolation and relief. We are full of hope, that
relying on your help, nothing can trouble or affect us. As you have remained with us through your admirable
image, so now obtain for us the graces we need. Amen.
Clear star of the morning
In beauty enshrined!
O, lady make speed to the
Help of mankind.
~Pope John Paul II's Prayer to our Lady of Guadalupe, visit to Mexico City 1979
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