A centuries-old devotion that brings the world together
Every December 12, the Catholic Church and millions of faithful in Mexico and around the world commemorate the day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This date marks one of the most massive expressions of faith of the year, where devotees express their gratitude, ask for spiritual help, and entrust the health of their loved ones to the patron saint of America.
The origins in Tepeyac
According to Catholic tradition, this devotion has its historical origins in the year 1531. At that time, the Virgin Mary, with indigenous features and dark skin, appeared to the native Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin on Tepeyac Hill, north of present-day Mexico City. Juan Diego, canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II in 2002, reported seeing the sacred figure while on his way to Tlatelolco.
After the experience, the indigenous man sought out Bishop Fray Juan de Zumárraga to tell him what had happened. The prelate, initially skeptical, asked for a sign to confirm the story. According to the narrative preserved by the Basilica of Guadalupe, the apparitions occurred on five occasions between December 9 and 12.
The miracle of the tilma
The definitive proof came when Juan Diego, following the Virgin's instructions, picked roses of Castile in the middle of winter, a flower that is not native to the region and out of season. When he spread his tilma (a traditional ayate blanket) before the bishop to show him the roses, the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe was miraculously imprinted on the fabric. This tilma is still preserved today in the Basilica and is one of the most venerated religious symbols in the Americas.
A prayer for intercession
Among acts of piety, prayer occupies a central place. The faithful come to the Virgin Morena asking for her powerful intercession before God. One of the traditional prayers invokes: "Oh, little mother of Guadalupe… Teach us to always do good, to follow the teachings of your beloved son Jesus… Most pure Virgin, blessed mother of God, I ask you to intercede before your son Jesus, so that he may be my protector and guide." In it, believers ask for light, strength, wisdom for decisions, and mediation to achieve a miracle or solution to their needs.
Requests and liturgical celebration
Although devotees can seek her intercession throughout the year, on her feast day, requests for protection, health, guidance, family well-being, and overcoming difficulties intensify. The liturgical celebration culminates with a solemn Mass, especially in the Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe in Mexico City, the epicenter of the festival, which is also broadcast by various media outlets to reach the faithful who are unable to make the pilgrimage in person.
Original source: caracol.com.co (published on December 12, 2025)
Photo: Edgar Henríquez, LC on Unsplash
