The feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe on 12 December honours the Marian devotion that commemorates the apparition of Saint Mary to Saint Juan Diego in 1531, the Pope encouraged the faithful to listen to the message of the Virgin of Guadalupe, who said, “Do not be afraid, am I not here, your Mother?” This message was given during the Holy Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
The Pope highlighted the significance of the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, which was miraculously imprinted on the tilma of Saint Juan Diego. He noted that the image depicts the Virgin as a pregnant woman, announcing the birth of the Savior. Pope Francis also emphasized the tenderness and motherly love that the Virgin showed to Saint Juan Diego, saying, “With what tenderness he says to the Indian: ‘Do not be afraid, am I not here, I who am your Mother?'”
The Holy Father regretted that the mystery of Guadalupe has been used for ideological purposes, but emphasized that the true message of the Virgin is one of simplicity and humility. He highlighted three key elements of the apparition: the cloak, the mother, and the rose. Pope Francis stressed that the mystery of Guadalupe is not about ideologies, but about venerating the Virgin and listening to her reassuring message.
In conclusion, the Pope urged the faithful to remember the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and to listen to her repetitive chant, “Do not be afraid, am I not here, I who am your Mother?” This message, he emphasized, is one of comfort and reassurance that should be remembered in every moment of life.