Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Catholic Church celebrates special feast days in honor of Mary the Mother of Jesus.  We call her our “Blessed Mother” for on the cross Jesus gave her to all of us when he says to the Beloved Disciple, “Behold your Mother” (John 19:27).  One such feast day is December 12^th.  On this day we recall her appearance to a native Mexican peasant Juan Diego.  The Mexican people hold this day close to their hearts.  Before the sun rises they sing to her to show their love for her.  Then with devotion they pray the rosary reflecting on the glorious mysteries of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Mary.  Finally they end with a Mass dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe and continue to celebrate after Mass with food, drinks, song, and dance.  As a priest I celebrate this time with the people because it holds a special place in my heart.   While studying Spanish in Puebla, I had the opportunity to visit the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico.  Looking back, I believe that I first fully answered my vocational call in the same general location Our Lady first appeared to Juan Diego less than 500 years ago.  Because of the mystical experience I had there, I joyfully celebrate with the Mexican people the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.