One would think that if the Blessed Virgin Mary were to appear to you it wouldn't take that long to have that person declared a saint. There are 2 things I learn from this statement I just wrote...1. God's timing is not our own and 2. God's timing is not our own. This is the story for today's saint.
Saint Juan Diego (birth name of Cuauhtlatoatzin) was born in 1474 about 15 miles north of modern day Mexico City, Mexico. He was born as an impoverished free man in a class-conscious society. He worked has a field laborer and farmer. He was married but had no children and became a widower in 1529. He became a Christian around the age of 50 after having lived a life as a religious pagan. When he became Christian he took the name Juan Diego.
The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego at Guadalupe on December 9, 1531 leaving to him the image that we know today as Our Lady of Guadalupe. (Her feast day is December 12 and will discuss that apparition then.) Saint Juan Diego died of natural causes on May 30, 1548. He was canonized on July 31, 2002 by Pope John Paul II at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico.
I was fortunate to meet the postulator for the cause of his canonization a few years back when he came to speak about the life of Juan Diego and Our Lady...Msgr. Chavez. He was a delightful man to speak with and his presentation was wonderful.
PRAYER
Blessed Juan, you faced the skepticism and rejection of a bishop and the crowds to bring Mary's message to Mexico. Pray for us that when we are faced with obstacles to our faith we may show that same courage and commitment. Amen.
Gina, have you seen the relic of the image? there are two that circle around the Americas. we had it at our house on year on the annunciation.
ReplyDeletewhat a blessing. thanks for sharing this saint with us today.
Thank you for your comment. No, I have not seen this relic. One day, with the grace of God, I will see the tilma in Mexico.
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