Mexico, 1531. The Spanish Conquistadors had arrived, and with them, of course, Catholic clergy. The priests and bishop were having little effect on converting the native population. One day, Dec. 9, a poor man named Juan Diego was going to Mass. He saw a vision of a woman on a hill, who spoke to him in his native Nahuatl language. She claimed to be Mary, the mother of Christ, and told him to ask the bishop to build a church on that hill.

Juan Diego managed to get an audience with the bishop, who laughed at him and demanded proof. Discouraged, Juan Diego thought it was best to avoid that particular hill and go on with life. A few days later, though, his uncle was sick and he had no choice but to cross that hill. He saw the woman again, and told her the bishop demanded proof. She instructed him to pick the roses that were growing on the hill, itself unusual for barren December, and deliver them to the bishop. Juan Diego gathered as many as he could in his cloak and went into town. He delivered the flowers, and the message, to the bishop, and when the flowers fell from his cloak, the image of the woman was miraculously imprinted on the cloth. The cloak is still on display to this day, in the church that was built, over 450 years later; the cloth has been dated to the 1500's but the pigment remains a mystery.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Americas, and holds a special place in the heart of the Mexican people. Originally a religious symbol, she is now a symbol of national unity as well. She is also the special protector of the unborn.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Coloring Page
The Story of OLG for Children
Story for Older Children
B&W Clipart to color
Wikipedia's take - interesting info on the authentication of the cloak (tilma)


St. Juan Diego, a model of humility, canonized in 2002


Fun Activities for Christmas in Mexico
Make your own tortilla chips: Cut stacks of corn tortillas into wedges with a pizza cutter. Spritz with nonstick spray or lime juice. Bake at 350 degrees, stirring occasionally, until they are as crispy as you like. Salt them while their hot - healthy and fun! Use whole wheat tortillas, and you'll get a yummy pita-chip like creation that is great with bean dip.

More recipes for kids
Make a poinsettia (native flower of Mexico)
Mexican Christmas songs, activities, recipes
More Mexican crafts for kids


Tags: Catholic, Less is More Christmas Club, Homeschooling