Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

As we begin this third week of Advent, we are mindful of the “holy ones” who model for us by their lives, how we, too, might “be with” those around us who find themselves on the margins of society. How we, too, may by a source of strength and hope to those most in need. For many, Our Lady of Guadalupe is indeed one of those “holy ones.”

Our Lady of Guadalupe actually came to “baptize” the union of the Spaniard and the Indian, so that out of the diversity of these two cultures we would have a greater source of richness and greater source of life. Not only did the Indian undergo change of life and culture, but also the Spaniard.

Our Lady of Guadalupe not only came to stand with her people in distress and to encourage them in their struggles, but she also brought to them the faith and the hope that the people needed to undergo their pain and their sorrow. She is a loving symbol of the compassionate Mother who continues to encourage the poor, the disinherited, and powerless in their struggles toward seeking freedom as children of God.

It is evident that Our Lady of Guadalupe is an integral part of the Mexican people, not only in Mexico itself, but also in all parts of the world where there is a Mexican root and tradition. However, she finds her place in the very heart of all the children of the land.

She is a living force and inspiration in all people’s struggles. Mary, under the title of “Our Lady of Guadalupe” is the blessed patroness of the Americas.