Our Lady Of Guadalupe
Patroness of the Americas-December 12th
Most of the people of Mexico are Roman Catholic. The Virgin of Guadalupe is the most beloved saint in Mexico.
One day more than 500 years ago, a poor Indian named Juan Diego was walking on a mountain trail. Like many Mexican Indians, he had become a Christian.
A beautiful, dark-skinned lady suddenly appeared before him. She told him that she had come to care for his people. She asked that they build a church on the spot where she stood.
When Juan Diego told the Bishop of her message, the bishop did
not believe him. When Juan Diego told this to the mysterious lady, she told him to collect roses from the hillside where nothing had grown before. He put them in his cape and took them to the Bishop.
When Juan Diego opened his cape before the Bishop, a wonderful
picture of the Virgin Mary appeared on the shabby cloth.
The Bishop finally believed him, and a church was built in her honor in Mexico City. She is the patron saint of the Americas.. …Our Lady of Guadalupe.
By Betty Debnam
The Mini Page, Houston Chronicle, Sept.21st, 1996