Saint
Brigid says...*
Missionaries
who first came to Mexico with the conquistadors had little success in
the beginning. After nearly a generation, only a few hundred Native Mexicans
had converted to the Christian faith. Whether they simply did not understand
what the missionaries had to offer or whether they resented these people
who made them slaves, Christianity was not popular among the native people.
Then in 1531 miracles began to happen. Mary appeared to a humble man,
Juan Diego. The signs -- of the roses, of the uncle miraculously cured
of a deadly illness, and especially of her beautiful image on Juan's mantle
-- convinced the people there was something to be considered in Christianity.
Within a short time, six million Native Mexicans had themselves baptized
as Christians.
The first lesson is that God has chosen Mary to lead us to Jesus. The
native people of Mexico owe their Christianity to her influence. If it
were not for her, they would not know her son, and so they are eternally
grateful. The second lesson we take from Mary herself. Mary appeared to
Juan Diego not as a European madonna but as a beautiful Aztec princess
speaking to him in his own Aztec language. If we want to help someone
appreciate the gospel we bring, we must appreciate the culture and the
mentality in which they live their lives. By understanding them, we can
help them to understand and know Christ. Our Lady of Guadalupe is patron
of the Americas.
* Throughout this website look for the "Saint Brigid says" feature to learn little known facts!
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
On December 12th, our parish celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with a procession, Mass and Fiesta.
