Greetings to all on this Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!
I have mixed emotions, because after three years of being in my beloved Mexico to celebrate this holiday, I am back in Indiana, with cold and snow to celebrate the Virgin of Tepeyac. Well, at least I’ll be in good company, with Mariachi, dancers, and many sons and daughters of the Our Lady of Guadalupe living here at the University of Notre Dame and throughout Michiana. My Mom always instilled in our family a tremendous affection and a deep devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Whenever I travel to Mexico City to visit family, I never fail to make a visit to the Basilica. Again I offer my priesthood to her care, and the faith of the many pilgrims revive my faith and dedication. And the words of Our Blessed Mother resonate in my heart as if she were saying them to me:
“Am I not here who am your mother? Not yet under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need anything else?”
Certainly the Mexican people and many more Latinos keep these words in their hearts also, and with them find the will to keep going in spite of any difficulty. Over fifty-one years ago, my parents, who were married in Mexico, left the church and went straight to the Basilica of Guadalupe to deliver my mom’s bouquet to the Virgin, and ask her to bless their marriage. Eight children and (within a couple of months) forty grandchildren later, it’s clear that Mary did her part.
On this day so important to the people of the Americas, I recommend that you turn to Our Lady of Guadalupe for protection. She will not fail you!
God bless you,
Father David
