Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Our Lady of Guadalupe

The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrates Mary’s appearance to Juan Diego in 1531 near what is now Mexico City, Mexico. An imprint of Mary was forever forged on Juan’s cloak. The image, depicting Mary as a mestiza—a woman with the look of mixed native and European ancestry—inspired a deep devotion to God and to Our Lady throughout Latin America. The feast day for Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12, was established by Pope Benedict XIV in 1754. In 1910 Mary was named the patron saint of Latin America. Pope Pius XII proclaimed Our Lady of Guadalupe the Patroness of the Americas in 1954. (Taken from "Exploring Saints and Feast Days with Young Adolescents.")

Reflection

Our Lady called upon the faithful to build a church. She used her voice to express God's love and care for the people of the Americas. Through her message, God's Reign expanded to incorporate new people and cultures. In Bethlehem she gave birth to the Son of God. In what is now Mexico, her words gave birth to a renewed faith in God. We give her thanks and praise for sharing God's message. We also give thanks to those in our lives who share the message of the Gospel with us. Who calls you to be faithful to God in your everyday living? Spend some time in quiet reflection.

Prayer

God, on this day set aside to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, we pray especially for the people of Mexico and Central America. May Mary and Jesus continue to inspire them and give them hope. (Taken from “Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.”)