Homily Saint Juan Diego “Our Lady the Native American”
Homily Saint Juan Diego “Our Lady the Native American”
The conquest of Mexico in the 16th century by the Spanish empire was very cruel and very bloody. Many native Americans died. Some were enslaved and others were killed by diseases that were brought to the new world by the colonists from Europe. The Spanish also sought to spread their religion to the natives. This met with mixed results.
How could the native peoples be attracted to the religion of their oppressors? They were put off by the lack of compassion displayed by the Spanish people they met. A conversion that was motivated by threats was not a real conversion.
The Blessed Virgin stepped firmly into the middle of all the controversy. As she has so often, Mary took he side of the oppressed. Juan Diego was a Chichimec peasant who was studying Christianity. He was walking to the Spanish mission near Mexico City one day and Mary appeared to him. She looked like a native woman. She was with child. She asked Juan Diego to go to the bishop and ask him to build a church on the hill they stood on.
The bishop was not sure. He asked for a sign. Mary appeared to Juan Diego again and she instructed him to pick some roses growing nearby and take the to the bishop. When Juan Diego went to the bishop, he let the roses fall from his mantle and the was an image of the Virgin on his clothing.
The Bishop knelt in worship. He instructed that a chapel be built. The picture of the Our Lady was hung and many pilgrims came to worship and to join the church. No longer was Catholicism a European religion, but it was seen by Native Americans as part of their heritage.
The miraculous image has been examined many times, but no scientist has been able to explain how it was made. If you look at the eyes of the Virgin, you see the image of a peasant man in them. Juan Diego spent the rest of his life tending to the chapel.
Reflection Questions:
- Mary always seems to appear to weak and the powerless. Can I think of a few examples? (Lourdes, Fatima, Knock).
- What does this tell me about her? What is she most concerned about in our world?
Dear Parishioners,
Please remember that from 6-7 p.m. tonight we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the church. We ask you to wear masks and to practice social distancing if you come. You can enter through the main doors or through the East door.
Fr. Levitt’s father, Robert, has died. He lived in a nursing facility in Princeton Illinois. He was 94. There will be a private family funeral. Please pray for Father at this difficult time. I am sure that he would appreciate any support people could offer him.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark