The Saints: St. Juan Diego

c. 1474 - 1548/ Feast - Dec. 9

The Mexican Indian visionary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Juan Diego, was venerated long before his 2002 canonization. In 1531 the widower saw apparitions of the Virgin of Guadalupe on the hill of Tepeyac. He convinced Bishop Juan de Zumarraga of Mary’s visitations and her desire to have a church built there when he opened his cloak, releasing fresh flowers and revealing the imprint of Our Lady’s image. Juan lived out his days by helping others, praying and doing penance near the shrine