Juan Diego opens his tilma to show the bishop the roses from Mary to find her image imprinted on the cloak. Image from Franciscan Tradition

Back in 1531, Our Blessed Mother appeared to Juan Diego (an indigenous peasant), introducing herself as the Mother of God and the Mother of all humanity. She requested that Diego build her a shrine on the hill where she appeared.  Diego went to the archbishop, Zumarraga, to share his encounter with Mary and her request.  Zumarraga did not believe Diego and asked him to provide a sign from Mary if indeed the apparition had occurred. Diego was delayed in returning to Mary on the hill be a dying relative who was in need of a priest; Mary intercepted Diego on his quest, assured him of his relative's return of health, and again made her request.  When Diego shared the archbishop's request for a sign, Mary directed Diego to pick nearby roses.  Diego followed her instructions, collecting them in his tilma.  Mary arranged the roses for him and sent him back to the bishop.  When Diego arrived at the bishop's office and opened the tilma, Zumarraga saw Castilian roses (that did not grow in Mexico) and a beautiful image of Mary imprinted on the cloak.  This image is displayed to this day in the Basilica built on the spot Mary appeared, just as she requested.

The entire image on Juan Diego's Tilma from Franciscan Friars

The image reads like an icon where every piece is symbolic and tells us more of Mary's important role in being our spiritual mother and ushering us to her Son.  It is an ongoing miracle.  It has survived an explosion with almost no damage.  The child in Mary's womb glowed during a time in Mexican history where they were battling the legality of abortion.  Check out more of the details about the image courtesy of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe:

- Display a picture or statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe and decorate with roses

- Enjoy Mexican food for dinner

- Have some dessert, like Mexican wedding cake or Mexican hot chocolate

- Listen to Saint Stories for Kids Episode 49