DECEMBER 12, 2025

In 1531 a “Lady from Heaven” appeared to Saint Juan Diego, a poor Indian from Tepeyac, a hill northwest of Mexico City. She identified herself as the Mother of the True God and instructed him to have the bishop build a church on the site. As a sign for the bishop, she left an image of herself imprinted miraculously on his tilma, a poor quality cactus-cloth (The Miracle). Bishop Juan de Zumarraga ordered the construction of small adobe chapel on Tepeyac Hill, which served as the first shrine for visiting pilgrims. The construction of the old Basilica was completed in 1709, where the tilmas was enshrined. The tilma should have deteriorated within 20 years but shows no sign of decay after over 470 years. Even now, it defies all scientific explanations of its origin. Today the Basilica is one of the world’s most visited Marian religious sites, surpassing Vatican City.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe, is a powerful symbol of faith, hope and protection, especially for the oppressed and marginalized in the Americas. The devotion is strong among Mexican Americans. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas and the Philippines, who bridges cultures and fosters spiritual identity.

Please take a few minutes to view the December 12th, celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Holy Cross Church.