Happy Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!

A title beloved here in the west/southwest of the United States, as she is the loving patroness of our Mexican neighbors.

Isn't it wonderful to see how Our Dear Mother carefully plans her visits to us? She is such a good mother, so loving and practical. Our perfect example, she knows how to dress for every occasion, how to make comfortable the people she visits, what gifts to leave for them. Notice how her imagery here for the Mexican people differs from, say, her visit to Lourdes, or her message through the miraculous statue in Akita, Japan, or the apparitions of Our Lady of Knock in Ireland or La Salette, France.

She tailors her visit, right down to the clothes she chooses to be seen wearing! She understands the tastes of each culture, and, the importance of maintaining a certain comfort level through familiarity. Right down to understanding how endearing and enduring would be the simplicity and humility of her image on Juan Diego's cloak or tilma.

She always knows the best way to present her message. She is at the same time the perfect hostess and guest, the perfect example of graciousness and humility. Her message complete in word, gesture, and image, down to the tiniest detail.

Even to the tiny reflection of Juan Diego in the eye of her image.

Our Lady's words to Juan Diego: "No estoy Yo a qui que soy tu Madre?” (“Am I not here who am your Mother?”)

“Listen and let it penetrate your heart, my dear little son. Do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety, or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle? In the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else you need? Do not let the sickness of your uncle worry you because he is not going to die of his sickness. At this very moment, he is cured.”

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Mother, Our Fountain of Life, Pray for Us!