Before the mass begins, we say in our Eucharistic Revival Prayer “Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the Eucharist, pray for us.” Allow me to share this article written by Fr. Tim Oudenhoven about what we can learn from our Mother.

The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the only picture of Mary that we have directly from heaven. She miraculously appeared on the Tilma/cloak of St. Juan Diego in the presence of Bishop Zumarraga. In the Tilma, we see Mary as the Mother of God teaching us how to adore her Son. One can easily say that the Tilma is a catechesis on the spirituality of Eucharistic faith and devotion through the personal witness of Mary. Let us briefly detail a few things that Our Lady of Guadalupe is teaching us today.

First, Mary appeared as the Mother of God. On the Tilma, we see Mary, whose hair is down, indicating in Aztec Society that she is an unmarried virgin. We then notice that she has a black belt tied around her waist. This belt is moved up just below her breasts indicating that she is pregnant. Lastly, over her womb is a fourpetaled flower. This flower indicated for the Aztecs that she was pregnant with the priest-Son of God. Simply put, on the Tilma, Mary is a virgin, pregnant with the Son of God who has come to save us.

Second, Mary’s face is serene and downcast. In that society, it was improper to look into the eyes of one who was more noble than yourself. As a sign of respect and submission, children would not look at their parents or teachers in the eyes. Mary is looking down because she is in the presence of her Son, Jesus. Through example, Mary is teaching us that true adoration begins with humble reverence and awe of the presence of Jesus in our midst.

Third, Mary is dancing in the Tilma. In her folded hands is a brown maraca. Her left knee is bent upwards as she is hopping and dancing. While we strive to offer humbled and contrite hearts, we are also called to rejoice, knowing that the Lord is truly near. Our Lady of Guadalupe’s example inspires our every prayer, thought, and action so that everything within us will praise the Lord.

Lastly, let us not forget that the only request of Our Lady of Guadalupe was to have a church built at Tepeyac, where she first appeared to St. Juan Diego, that all may come to know her Son. She desired to hear their cries and sadness in order to bring them to her Son, so that he might heal all their troubles, miseries and pains. She who is our Mother protects us in the hollow of her Mantle.

As we continue in these years of Eucharistic Revival, let us also grow in Guadalupan reverence, humility, praise, and gratitude. Let us implore Our Lady of Guadalupe who has been chosen as the Patroness of the National Eucharistic Revival, to heal us of those things that afflict and hurt us so that we may be united in Jesus.