Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

[Pope Benedict XIV]

“He hath not done in like manner to every nation.” (Psalm 147:20)

“If my duties did not prevent me,
I would make a pilgrimage to the New World Shrine,
and approach the Holy Virgin as the other poor pilgrims do, i.e.
Barefoot And On My Knees!”

[Pope Leo XIII]

“With complete satisfaction, We have determined to accede to your request (Mexican Bishops), that We should enrich with some special additions the Office already granted by our illustrious predecessor Benedict XIV, in honor of the Most Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, the principle Patroness of your nation. For indeed, We are aware how close are the links that have ever united the beginning and the progress of the Christian Faith among the Mexicans and the veneration of the Divine Mother, whose Picture, as your histories relate, an admirable providence made famous in its very origin. We also know too, that in the Tepeyac Sanctuary, for the repair, enlargement and ornamentation of which you show yourselves so solicitous, the manifestations of piety increase day by day, since to that spot… devout and crowded pilgrimages flock from every part of the Republic… Since therefore, as you yourselves recognize, the most loving Mother of God venerated under the title of Guadalupe is the author and preserver of this great harmony of souls, We, with all the affection of Our heart, exhort through you the whole Mexican people to see that they always retain this reverence and love for the Divine Mother, as their most signal glory and fountain of every blessing. With special regard to the Catholic Faith, which is at once our most precious treasure and, in these days, the one most easily lost, let all be persuaded and intimately convinced that it will endure among you in all its purity and strength as long as this devotion, entirely worthy of your ancestors, is fully maintained. Let them, therefore, grow in it every day, loving with more and more warmth of affection so sovereign a Patroness; and they shall find that the blessings of her most efficacious patronage will flow down daily more abundantly, for the salvation and peace of all classes in society…”

[Pope Pius XII in his public message to Mexico on October 12, 1945, ordered the sacred Image in Mexico to be crowned again, and formally proclaimed her Empress Of All The Americas.]

“Hail, O Virgin of Guadalupe! We to whom the admirable ordering of Providence has confided (not taking into account our own unworthiness), the sacred treasure of Divine Wisdom on earth for the salvation of souls, place again upon thy brow the crown that forever places under thy powerful patronage the purity and integrity of the Mexican Faith and of the entire American continent. For We are certain that as long as thou art recognized as Queen and Mother, MEXICO AND AMERICA WILL BE SAFE.”

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