The Saints: Our Lady of Guadalupe

16th century
Feast –  Dec. 12

This image of Mary commemorates her appearances to a native convert, St. Juan Diego, on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City in 1531. Our Lady wanted a church built there and sent Juan Diego with that message to the bishop, who insisted on a sign. She told the peasant to gather flowers blooming then, in December, and return to the bishop. When the flowers tumbled from his cloak, those present saw the image that is still preserved in the most famous shrine in the Western Hemisphere.