Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Saint Juan Diego


"Thousands of people gathered in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe July 31, 2002, for the canonization of Juan Diego, to whom the Blessed Mother appeared in the 16th century. Pope John Paul II celebrated the ceremony at which the poor Indian peasant became the Church’s first saint indigenous to the Americas.

The Holy Father called the new saint “a simple, humble Indian” who accepted Christianity without giving up his identity as an Indian. “In praising the Indian Juan Diego, I want to express to all of you the closeness of the church and the pope, embracing you with love and encouraging you to overcome with hope the difficult times you are going through,” John Paul said. Among the thousands present for the event were members of Mexico’s 64 indigenous groups.

"First called Cuauhtlatohuac (“The eagle who speaks”), Juan Diego’s name is forever linked with Our Lady of Guadalupe because it was to him that she first appeared at Tepeyac hill on December 9, 1531. The most famous part of his story is told in connection with the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12). After the roses gathered in his tilma were transformed into the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, however, little more is said about Juan Diego.

"In time he lived near the shrine constructed at Tepeyac, revered as a holy, unselfish and compassionate catechist who taught by word and especially by example.

"During his 1990 pastoral visit to Mexico, Pope John Paul II confirmed the long-standing liturgical cult in honor of Juan Diego, beatifying him. Twelve years later he was proclaimed a saint." (From A Saint A Day, American Catholic.org)

5 comments:

Unknown said...

May I ask for specific scripture references pertaining to prayers to Mary?

Or ones which reference a rosary?


"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

~2nd Timothy 3:16

Hans Georg Lundahl said...

Hail thee full of grace, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou amongst women! (Angel Gabriel to St Mary the Mother of God, in the Gospel)

How is it that the mother of my Lord cometh to me? Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! (St Elisabeth to her cousin, in the Gospel)

... Henceforth all generations shall call me blessed ... (from Magnificat, the virgin's prayer just after that, also in the Gospel)

So, if you are in a generation of the people of God, call her blessed, why not with the words of angel and Elisabeth!

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle said...

Thanks for stopping by, "Son3" and for your questions. Thaank you very much "Hans-Georg Lundahl" for visiting and for answering "Son3"'s questions. I have been so busy with book signings and events for my latest book release: "Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship." I haven't been able to answer all of the comments that come in to my many blogs in a timely fashion, so I appreciate your input very much, "Hans-Georg Lundahl."

God bless both of you!

Donna-Marie

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle said...

Excuse the typo, please, in my last comment. :)

Hans Georg Lundahl said...

No prob!

Merry CHristmas!