Patroness of the AmericasThe Shrine of Our Lad of Guadalupe, near Mexico City, is one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage in North America. On December 9, 1531, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to a Mexican-born convert, Juan Diego, and left with him a picture of herself impressed upon his cloak.
Later, the picture was placed in a magnificent shrine that the Roman Pontiff ennobled by granting it a Chapter of Canons for the splendor of Divine Worship. There it became famous for the concourse of people and the frequency of miracles, exciting immeasurably the piety of the Mexican nation toward the Mother of God.
Therefore, the Archbishop of Mexico and the other Bishops of those regions as well as all classes of society regarded Our Lady Of Guadalupe as their most powerful Protectress in public and private calamities and elected her principal Patroness of Mexico.
Devotion to Mary under this title has continually increased and today she is the Patroness of the Americas. Because of the close link between the Church in the Mexico and the Church in the United States this feast was placed on the American Calendar.
PRAYER: God of power and mercy, You blessed the Americas at Tepeyac with the presence of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. May her prayers help all men and women to accept each other as brothers and sisters. Through Your justice present in our hearts may Your peace reign in the world. Amen.