ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN DECEMBER
Saints celebrated on the 9th of December
SAINT JUAN DIEGO, LAYMAN
The Blessed Virgin appeared to a 55 year-old Aztec Native American, Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, who was on his way to Mass in Mexico City, on Saturday, December 9, 1531. She sent him to Bishop Zumáraga to ask that a church be built on the spot where she stood. She was at the same place that evening and Sunday evening to get the bishop’s answer. After cross-questioning Mr Diego, the bishop ordered him to ask for a sign from the lady who had said she was the Mother of God.
"KNOW AND TAKE HEED, MY DEAR LITTLE SON"
The Blessed Virgin spoke to Mr Diego thus: “Know and take heed, my dear little son, that I am the holy Mary, ever Virgin, Mother of the true God for Whom we live, the Creator of all the world, Maker of heaven and earth. I urgently desire that a church should be built here, to bear witness to my love, my compassion, my help and protection, for I am a merciful Mother to you and to all your people who love me and trust in me and invoke my help.
A SIGN
Our Lady would give the bishop a sign. She asked Mr Diego to go up to the rocks and gather roses. He knew it was neither the time nor the place for roses, but he obeyed. Gathering the roses into his long cloak he was wearing, he returned to the Blessed Mother who arranged them.
When he arrived at the Bishop’s residence, Mr Diego unfolded his cloak and the roses fell out. Startled to see the bishop and his attendants kneeling before him, he looked at the cloak and saw there the figure of the Virgin Mary, just as he had described her. The picture was venerated in the bishop’s chapel and soon after carried in procession to the first church.
PRAYER:
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Juan Diego may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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