The Miracles of Our Lady of Guadalupe
On December 9, 1531, the Virgin Mary appeared to an indigenous man named Juan Diego on the hill of Tepeyac near Mexico City. She came to request the construction of a church at that site. To convince the bishop, the Virgin provided several signs, including the miraculous imprinting of her image on Juan Diego's tilma (cloak), see the account of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This image, which has remained unchanged for 5 centuries, is the source of the many miracles of Our Lady of Guadalupe that Hozana invites you to discover here.
The Miraculous Imprint on Juan Diego's Tilma
After going to the bishop twice without being taken seriously, Juan Diego asked the Virgin for a sign so that Bishop Zumarraga would believe his words. On December 12, 1531, the Virgin granted him the sign. She instructed him to go pick flowers at the top of the hill and make a bouquet. Upon reaching the summit, Juan Diego was amazed to see all kinds of Castilian flowers blooming beautifully in a place exposed to the December cold, frost, and where only thistles and rocks usually grew. Following the Virgin's instructions, he gathered the fragrant flowers in his cloak and only opened it in the presence of the bishop. All the flowers fell to the ground, and at that moment, the image of the Holy Virgin appeared on the tilma. The bishop and those present knelt in admiration, weeping and asking for forgiveness for their lack of faith. The next day, they asked to see the site where the hermitage for Our Lady would be built and immediately began the work.
Miracles Associated with the Image
Healing of Juan Diego's Uncle
The very first miracle of the Virgin of Guadalupe occurred even before the image appeared on the tilma. It was the miraculous healing of Juan Diego's uncle, Juan Bernardino. During the third apparition, the Virgin asked Juan Diego to return the next day to Mount Tepeyac to bring the bishop a sign of her presence. However, Juan Diego found his uncle dying and decided to quickly fetch a priest to administer the last rites. Fearing delay, he avoided going up the hill where he thought he might meet the Lady, but she came down to meet him and told him that his uncle was healed. Juan Diego regained confidence and hurried to bring the sign to the bishop. After completing his mission, he went to his uncle's house and found him in perfect health. Juan Bernardino confirmed that the moment of healing was precisely when the Lady reassured Juan Diego. Juan Bernardino also testified that he had seen the Lady, identical in every way to the apparition seen by Juan Diego.
Resurrection of an Indigenous Man
Another miracle occurred a few days after the apparitions, on December 25, 1531. On that day, Bishop Zumarraga consecrated the main church to the Virgin in gratitude for the favors received. Then the procession moved to Mount Tepeyac, and the ceremony was joyful, with warriors singing and dancing while shooting arrows into the air. One of the arrows fatally struck a warrior, piercing his neck. Without delay, one of the missionary brothers carried the lifeless man to the feet of the Virgin, praying for his resurrection. Immediately, the Virgin answered the prayer, and the man came back to life. This was the first recognized miracle of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Unexplained Facts About the Image
The Fabric Remains Intact and Clean
The tilma is made of local fiber (agave), which normally disintegrates into small fragments after 20 years. Yet the tilma has not deteriorated for 5 centuries. Moreover, it has not been soiled by the kisses of the crowd, the smoke from countless candles, or dust.
The Extraordinary Fineness of the Image
The image shows no brush marks, and even an experienced painter could not have created such a work on this coarse, unprepared fabric. Additionally, the pigments on the fabric are of unknown origin and remain a mystery to science.
The Luminosity of the Colors
The colors have neither faded nor changed and show no signs of cracking, even though they are not protected by varnish.
The Reflections in the Virgin's Eyes
The cornea and pupils of the Virgin's eyes contain reflections showing the people present in the bishop's office when the image appeared on the cloak. These reflections were revealed through photographic enlargement of the image in the 20th century. Starting in 1956, renowned ophthalmologists were able to freely examine the image using their own techniques. They concluded that the Virgin's eyes react in accordance with the laws of physiological optics.
Moreover, the three reflections are at the correct focal distance according to the laws of Purkinje-Samson, unique properties of a living eye.
The Stars on the Mantle
The stars on the mantle correspond to the constellations visible in the sky over Mexico on the day of the apparition.
A Corrosive Liquid Spilled on the Image by Accident
In 1785, a goldsmith cleaning the frame accidentally spilled a liquid composed of 50% nitric acid on the left side of the image. The fabric was not destroyed, and color was applied to hide the stain, but the color gradually faded, and the mark can still be seen. It is scientifically inexplicable that such a large amount of highly concentrated acid did not damage the image.
The 1921 Explosion Left the Image Unharmed
On November 14, 1921, three men entered the basilica to place a bouquet of flowers containing a hidden bomb on the altar. The massive explosion was felt up to 1 km away, yet the image of the Virgin was completely unharmed, and the protective glass remained intact. However, the candelabras were thrown into the air, and the bronze crucifix bent impressively, absorbing the full impact of the explosion's force.
Recent Miracle of Our Lady of Guadalupe
On April 24, 2007, a Mass was celebrated at the basilica for the defense of life. On that day, Mexico City was voting on a law granting the right to abortion. During the celebration, over 1,000 people witnessed an inexplicable phenomenon: an intense light in the shape of a fetus emerged from the abdomen of the image. Since then, Our Lady of Guadalupe has become the patroness of the unborn.
Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe for the Unborn
"Most Holy Trinity,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
through the intercession of Our Lady,
Saint Joseph,
and all the heavenly court,
protect the unborn
and their defenders
from all forces of evil.
Illuminate with Your Light
the hearts of pregnant women
and strengthen them with Your Love.
Obtain the conversion
of the enemies of life,
we pray to You.
Amen.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, who carries the Child Jesus within you, hear our prayers!"
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