December 12 is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (patron saint of North and South America) who appeared to Cuauhtlatohuac (baptized:Juan Diego) a Mexican peasant, on whose tilma (cloak) there appeared an image on the Blessed Virgin as he had seen her in the vision. Read more of Juan Diego's story here.
Designer Faith?
Back in the day (my own youth), a brand name on clothing was discretely and neatly tucked away inside a garment, out of sight. Then it became fashionable to sport a little alligator or polo player right there for everyone to see - and thus began a flood of brand name logos.
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| Image source |
Well, Saint Juan Diego was a man more than 5 centuries ahead of
his time! Or perhaps we should more
directly and correctly credit Our Lady of Guadalupe for imprinting her designer
image on Juan’s tilma or cloak, see below. Today we can purchase t-shirts bearing a Guadalupe logo - or even have Juan Diago's vision tattooed on our bare skin.
Others can easily read who crafted the clothing I wear. Just as easily should they be able to see, in my speech and deeds, the word and will of the Designer who called me into being, whose grace seeks to clothe my soul and style my life with the
Gospel’s truth.
In prayer today, let's look to see how clearly Our Lady of Guadalupe’s
beauty, purity and graciousness design and mark our hearts, letting the
world see her Son’s image and blessing imprinted on our lives.
Here's a beautiful prayer for today's feast, written by Danilo Mendoza Rugama, SJ at The Jesuit Post.
*Mi Morenita…
you who took our flesh
by appearing as a Native of the Americas,
you who heed our cry
you who heed our cry
during our darkest of moments,
you who appeared
you who appeared
accompanied with the
signs of flowers
and the singing of birds,
announcing yourself as the
mother of the Great Truth,
you who praise God through your dance,
you who brought not only a message,
you who praise God through your dance,
you who brought not only a message,
but The Message was in your womb,
My Merciful Mother…
thank you for being light in our darkest moments
and embracing us with your mantle of tenderness,
thank you for wanting to carry us in your heart,
where we can also hear and be close
to the heart of your Son,
thank you for accompanying us
as we labor in God’s vineyard
when you tell us
as you told Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin:
"Am I not here, who am your Mother?
Are you not under my shadow and protection?
Am I not the source of your joy?
Are you not in the hollow of my mandle,
in the crossing of my arms?
Do you need something more?"
**Mi Madrecita Querida…
help us obtain from your Son,
the
grace to always put our gaze
where the dignity of our brothers and
sisters
is being violated;
help us obtain from your Son,
help us obtain from your Son,
the grace
to become messengers of The Truth
when so many lies try to blind us
to suffering,
help our lives become a dance
help our lives become a dance
that praises, reverences and serves God
with our whole beings.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!
*Morenita is a term of endearment for a dark skinned woman
** Madrecita Querida means "My dearest Mother"
And a song!
This lullaby (as beautiful as it is simple!) is sung in Juan Diego's
native Nahuatl language.
Xicochi Conetzintle by Gaspar Fernandes (1566–1629
If a widget doesn't appear below, click here!
Nahuatl language
Xicochi, xicochi,
Xicochi, xicochi
Xicochi conetzintle
Xicochi conetzintle
Ca omizhuihuixoco in angelosme
Ca omizhuihuixoco in angelosme
Ca omizhuihuixoco in angelosme
In angelosme in angelosme
Xicochi, xicochi
Xicochi conetzintle
Xicochi conetzintle
Ca omizhuihuixoco in angelosme
Ca omizhuihuixoco in angelosme
Ca omizhuihuixoco in angelosme
In angelosme in angelosme
Alleluya alleluya
English translation
Sleep, sleep
Sleep, sleep
Sleep, precious baby
Sleep, precious baby
Indeed, the angels have come here
Sleep, precious baby
Sleep, precious baby
Indeed, the angels have come here
to rock you to sleep
Indeed, the angels have come here
Indeed, the angels have come here
to rock you to sleep
Indeed, the angels have come here
Indeed, the angels have come here
to rock you to sleep
Alleluia, alleluia
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