Our Lady Of Guadalupe
Missionaries who first came to Mexico had little success in the beginning. After nearly a generation, only a few hundred Native Mexicans had converted to the Christian faith. Whether they simply did not understand what the missionaries had to offer, Christianity was not popular among the native people.

Then in 1531 miracles began to happen. Jesus’ own mother appeared to humble Juan Diego. The signs of the roses, of the uncle miraculously cured of a deadly illness, and especially of her beautiful image on Juan’s mantle convinced the people there was something to be considered in Christianity. Within a short time, six million Native Mexicans had themselves baptized as Christians.
Mary appeared to Juan Diego not as a European Madonna but as a beautiful Aztec princess speaking to him in his own Aztec language. If we want to help someone appreciate the gospel we bring, we must appreciate the culture and the mentality in which they live their lives. By understanding them, we can help them to understand and know Christ. Our Lady of Guadalupe is patron of the Americas.