Getting to Know Juan Diego

Over the summer our family was blessed to take a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. I was surprised to discover that it is not just a single church but an entire complex of many holy places. Our guide methodically directed us through each church onsite in chronological order.

Upon coming down the hill where the first and second apparitions occurred there was a small chapel called Antigua Parroquia de Indios (Old Church of the Indians) It was given this name because it was built on the site of Juan Diego’s hermitage. He lived close to the original basilica so that he could care for the miraculous painting of Our Lady.  When we entered the small church Juan Diego’s presence was palpable. I wanted to stay in the presence of this holy man.  I was left with a longing to get to know this man who Mary cared so deeply for. He was a simple man, a peasant. Mary called him, “Juanito, dearest Juan Diego.”

Mary entrusted Juan Diego with an enormous task:

 I want very much to have a little house built here for me, in which I will show Him, I will exalt Him and make Him manifest. I will give Him to the people in all my personal love, in my compassion, in my help, in my protection: because I am truly your merciful Mother, yours and all the people who live united in this land and of all the other people of different ancestries, my lovers, who love me, those who seek me, those who trust in me. Here I will hear their weeping, their complaints and heal all their sorrows, hardships and sufferings.

Mary chose Juan Diego, a simple, peasant man, and prepared him to do a great work. He delivered her message; she would always be with those who suffer. His faith has brought comfort to generations and was a catalyst for strengthening faith, not only for Mexico and Latin America, but the whole world.

St Juan Diego, Pray for us.

This reflection was published in the latest edition of the The Visitation