On Friday we visited the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The Virgin of Guadalupe is of incredible importance for most Mexican Catholics. The story is that the Spanish priests were not originally making much head way with converting the indigenous people. One day, one of their indigenous converts, Juan Diego, was walking on a hill when he saw a vision of the Virgin. She asked him to build a cathedral in her honor on that spot. When he returned the priests did not believe him, they asked for a sign. Juan Diego returned to that spot and saw the virgin again and she gave him flowers as a sign. He put the flowers in his cloak and when he presented them to the priests the image of the virgin appeared on his cloak. In Mexican Catholocism the Virgin is worshipped and remembered almost more, if not more than Christ. The basilica below was built in the form of the cloak. There are several other structures on the complex that were the the cathedrals they had before this newest one.
A view from the top of the hill.
Me, Stephanie and Michelle in front of the old cathedral.
A depiction of Juan Diego's discovery of the virgin.
The old and the new.
There is a strong divide between Catholics and Protestants here in Mexico. Please pray that the influence, or impact that we might have here would transcend this divide.
1 comment:
It looks as if you are enjoying the richness of new places, people, culture.... Can't wait to visit and soak in the smells and sounds with you!
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