Memorial of St. Juan Diego

[Scripture Readings: Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Mt 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8 ]

What did St. Juan Diego do after all the excitement of Our Lady’s appearances to him? A small chapel was built on the top of Tepeyac hill, and next to it a little hermitage for Juan Diego. He lived the rest of his life there, in prayer and worship, and he was given the rare privilege at that time of receiving the Eucharist three times a week.

Most of us will never have the opportunity of traveling to Mexico and seeing the beautiful image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Juan Diego’s tilma. But like him we do have the opportunity to pray and worship, and to receive the Eucharist not just three times a week, but every day. Mary called Juan Diego “My littlest and dearest.” She could have appeared directly to the Bishop of Mexico. Instead, she chose someone who was exceptionally meek and humble of heart, like her Son, Jesus. May we please her by living with humility, meekness, and love.