Our Lady of Guadalupe ~ December 12
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, near Mexico City, is
one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimages in North America.
On December 9, 1531, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to an Indian
convert, Juan Diego, and left him with a picture of her impressed
upon his cloak.
The devotion to Mary under this title has continually increased,
and today she is the patroness of the Americas. Because of the
close link between the Church in Mexico and the Church in the
United States, this feast was also celebrated in the United States
and then placed on the calendar of the Diocese of the United States.
Earth Prayers
Blessed Sister, Holy Mother, Spirit of the
fountain,
Spirit of the garden,
Suffer us not to mock ourselves with falsehood
Teach us to care and not to care
Teach us to sit still
Even among these rocks.
Our peace in his will
And even among these rocks
Sister, mother,
And spirit of the river, spirit of the sea.
Suffer me not to be separated
And let my cry come unto Thee.
T.S. Eliot
Prayer
God of power and mercy. You blessed the Americas at Tepeyac with
the presence of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. May her prayers
help all men & women who accept each other as brothers and
sisters. Through your justice present in our hearts, may your
peace reign in our world.
