Dec. 9, - St. Juan Diego

Juan Diego, an Aztec of Mexico, was baptized at the age of 50 by a Franciscan missionary. On this day in 1531 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him and sent him to the bishop of Mexico to tell him that she wanted a church built in her honor. A few days later, as a sign for the bishop, she gave him roses (which were not in season) and, even more wondrously, an image of herself imprinted on the cloak within which Juan held the roses. This miraculous image should have deteriorated long ago but remains to be seen to this day. It remains just as the loving intercession of Mary always remains with us. Let us present to our Blessed Mother today the children of the world, that she may guard them under the mantle of her protection. The following are the words that Mary addressed to Juan Diego when she met him.

Know for certain, smallest of my children, that I am the perfect and perpetual Virgin Mary, Mother of the True God through whom everything lives, the Lord of all things near and far, the Master of heaven and earth. I am your merciful Mother, the merciful mother of all of you who live united in this land, and of all humanity, of all those who love me. Hear and let it penetrate your heart, my dear little one. Let nothing discourage you, nothing depress you. Let nothing alter your heart, or your face. Am I not here who am your mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle? In the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else that you need? Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain.

Apostleship of Prayer