Holy Mary of Guadalupe, Mystical Rose, intercede for Holy Church, protect the Sovereign Pontiff, help all those who invoke you in their necessities; and since you are the ever Virgin Mary and Mother of the true God, obtain for us from your most holy Son the grace of keeping our faith, sweet hope in the midst of the bitterness of life, burning charity, and the precious gift of final perseverance. Amen.
THE STORY OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE: On December 9, 1531, the Blessed Virgin appeared on Tepeyac Hill, near Mexico City, to a 57-year-old Christian Indian who was on his way to attend Holy Mass. Amid heavenly music and shining with light, the Blessed Mother addressed Juan Diego with the affectionate diminutives, “Juanito, Juan Dieguito.” The Blessed Mother requested that a church be built in her honor, and during her fifth appearance, she provided roses as proof for the local bishop that she had really appeared (it was wintertime), arranging them herself in Juan’s cloak.
When Juan opened his cloak in the presence of the Bishop, a miraculous image of Our Lady was found on the rude cactus-fiber cloth. The image is now on display in the Basilica in Mexico City. The preservation of the image and of the cloth, after more than 450 years, cannot be scientifically explained. The words of Our Lady to Juan Diego demonstrate her care and compassion for those who approach her with simplicity:
PROMISES: “Hear and let it penetrate into your heart, my dear little son; let nothing discourage you, nothing depress you. Let nothing alter your heart or your countenance. Also, do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Arc you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else that you need?” “Understand, my dear son, that I am the ever Virgin Mother of the true God, in whom we live, the Creator and Maker of Heaven and earth. It is my urgent desire that a temple be built here in my honor where I shall spread my love, compassion, succor and protection. I am your merciful Mother and a loving Mother to your fellow men who love me and trust me and seek my aid. I will listen to their lamentations and give solace in all their sorrows and their sufferings.” —Our Lady to Juan Diego
Our Lady of Grace or Our Lady of the Bowed Head: This picture of Our Lady of Grace was discovered at Rome about the year 1610 by the Ven. Dominic of Jesus and Mary (1559-1630), who later became the fifth General of the Discalced Carmelite Order. One evening, when Dominic was walking past an old house that was to be converted into a convent, an interior impulse attracted him to a heap of debris. After closely examining the rubbish, his eyes fell upon this oil painting, which was torn and covered with dirt. Grieved at seeing a picture of the Heavenly Mother in such a miserable condition, he took it to his cell and repaired it.
One night, while praying for a particular favor as he knelt before the holy image, he noticed that the dust had settled upon it. While he was gently removing the dust, the face of Our Lady suddenly became animated. She smiled at Dominic and nodded her head in token of her gratitude. Dominic feared that he was the victim of a diabolical illusion, but the Queen of Heaven dispelled his uneasiness with the following words: “Fear not, my son, for your request is granted. It will be accomplished and will be part of the recompense that you are to receive, for the love that you bear to my Divine Son and myself.”
When Our Lady invited Dominic to make another request of her, he asked for the release of one of his benefactors from Purgatory. The Holy Virgin promised to grant this request if several Masses and good works were offered for the soul. Shortly afterward, the Blessed Mother appeared with the soul of the benefactor, who had been delivered from Purgatory. PROMISE: The Blessed Mother then promised Dominic, “All those who implore my protection, devoutly honoring this picture, will obtain their petition, and will receive many graces. Moreover, I shall hearken in a special manner to the prayers that shall be addressed to me for the relief of the souls in Purgatory.” Since Dominic wanted others to venerate the image, and receive the benefits of the Holy Mothers promises, he placed the picture in the Church of Santa Maria della Scala. Later it was moved to various countries. Now it can be found in the church of the Viennese Carmel.
