Central Significance

Marian devotion has many expressions. Individuals may grow comfortable with one expression of Marian devotion over others. If an expression promotes one’s growth in love of God and of neighbor, a person ought not to seek out another—unless another expression helps a person love better. The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated in the Americas today, and devotion to her extends beyond them.

In 1531 Juan Diego beheld Mary, whose image appeared on his cloak. It hangs in the basilica remembering his visions and the place of them, an area of Mexico City. It is significant that Mary appeared to a humble person from whom she requested cooperation. It may be significant, too, that Mary did this in the middle of the Americas and in its oldest city. Of course, the personal significances are as many as are Guadalupanos of every nationality and denomination.

________________________________________________________

Wiki-image of the image of O.L. of Guadalupe is in the public domain.