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| Photo: Karen Streveler, OSB |
Tomorrow, December 12, at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico
City, thousands will honor the beloved Virgin-Mother who visited a simple and
humble Aztec peasant at a time when the Indian population was oppressed by
conquistadors who considered them less than rational beings . . .and who were
consequently killed or depressed by the loss of faith in the gods of their
ancestors. It is believed that, in the
person of his gentle Mother, God visited Mexico at Tepeyac for the purpose of
favoring the people “like dear little children.” She spoke to Juan Diego in the most
affectionate words, treating him as a son and promising to be his Mother. She made known to him the outstanding dignity
that was his and offered him. . .and all like him. . .her protection and
eagerness to soothe, heal, and listen to their prayers. No wonder Our Lady is beloved by the Latino
peoples; she appeared on their land! She was brown as they are brown. She wore a
garb filled with indigenous as well as Biblical symbols. She chose a poor and
powerless Indian to be the bearer of her message as well as her image within
his tilma to Bishop Zumárraga: that “he be kind enough to build
her a little temple where she could hear their weeping, their sadness , so that
she might purify and heal all their different afflictions, pains and sorrows.”
*
And is it not a splendid gift and grace that Our Lady of
Guadalupe was also declared Patroness of all the Americas? She is our
“morenita” too!
Bishop Donald Kettler will be with us as we celebrate a Mass
in her honor at St. John’s Abbey Church at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 15.
Please come to the fiesta!
* A Mexican Spirituality of Divine Election for a Mission
by F.R.Schulte
Renee Domeier, OSB
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