Mary, the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Mother of God appeared to St Juan Diego in 1531 and her words of comfort are still as relevant today as they were back then. Guadalupe in Mexico was the scene of a miracle when an image of the Blessed Virgin appeared beautifully compact on St Juan Diego's poncho.
In her eyes are the reflections of the people present in the room when the poncho was unveiled by the unsuspecting peasant revealing the masterpiece of Mary's image which is venerated over the world and the symbol of the pro life movement.
I believe you can't read these words without feeling comforted by them with the comfort that only a good mother can give. God's great love for us shines in these words of His mother when she visited her children in the 'vale of tears'.
Mary is the spiritual mother of every person on earth and she desires only our good and our salvation, namely God's will for us. She desires Heaven for us, our greatest good.
Note-The word 'here' relates to the shrine at Guadalupe where the image of Mary appeared and also to the blessed images themselves when reverently gazed upon. These images are venerated not worshipped as that would be against the first commandment as every one knows!
May Mary's words touch your heart as you read them slowly:
"Know for certain that I am the perfect and perpetual Virgin Mary, Mother of the true God.
Here I will show and offer all my love, my compassion, my help and protection to the people.
I am your meciful Mother, the Mother of all who love me, of those who cry to me, of those who have confidence in me. Here I will hear their weeping and their sorrows , their necessities and misfortunes.
Listen and let it penetrate your heart.
Do not be troubled or weighed down with grief.
Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain.
Am I not here who am your Mother!
Are you not under my shadow and protection?
Am I not your fountian of life?
Are you not in the folds of my mantle and in the crossing of my arms?
Is there anything more you need?"
Trust in Mary's love and help is our key to peace for she is the mother of the Prince of peace, to honour (not worship) Mary is to honour her Son.
Mary is the mother of grace.
May Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us, protect us and intercede for all our needs spiritual and temporal and especially obtain for us the great grace not to sin and to go to Heaven when we die. Amen.
