A Poncho Converts Millions

Short Summary: The Blessed Mother appeared to Juan Diego, leaving her image on his cloak, leading millions of Aztecs to convert.

Details

Location: Guadalupe, Mexico

Year: 1531

Prayer: Dearest Lady of Guadalupe, Help lead me into deeper conversion in my life. Bring me towards understanding the true God, my creator. Grant me the grace to delve more deeper into the mysteries of the incarnation. Guide me in my life, so that I may be lifted from this earthly life into union with our Lord in Heaven for eternity. Aid me to help win other souls for the kingdom, for the glory of our God. Amen.

Verse: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God." -Lk 1:34

Full Story

A local peasant named Juan Diego was visited by the Blessed Mother, who left her image on his cloak as evidence for the local authorities. Modern studies have not explained how the material has yet to disintegrate, given that cactus fiber typically lasts about 50 years. Scientific analysis continues on the image, including one study by biophysicist and NASA associate Dr. Phillip Callahan, who found no paint or brush strokes and observed a mysterious iridescent behavior in the colors. He also found the fabric maintained a constant temperature of 98.6°F, the same as a human body. In the 1530s, upon recognizing the intricate symbolism throughout the image, the local Aztec population converted to Christianity by the millions over the following decade. Baptisms numbered around ten thousand per day in some regions, and peace and unity were quickly established between the warring peoples. Scholars have symbolically interpreted the image from an Aztec viewpoint as a codex, which helps explain the dramatic number of conversions. - Skin complexion: mixed race between an Aztec and Spaniard; this was the lowest class of people - Unmasked face: she is not a god but human - Facial expression: merciful - Loose parted hair: a virgin - Surrounding clouds: coming from a foreign place - Sun behind: greater than the sun god - Moon beneath: displacing the moon god - Cross medallion around neck: a Christian - Inner pink robe: the earth - Outer turquoise tunic: the Heavens; wrapping the earth - Gold lining: royalty (queenship) - Waist ribbon: pregnant with child; also uniting the two tunics of Heaven and earth - Ribbon's trapezoidal shape: a transition between eras - Quincunx fower pattern at her womb: a god at center of the cosmos - Heavenly pregnancy: the sacredness of life, including the unborn - Folded hands ready to open: an offering - Leafy flower patterns: an age of peace - Heart pattern with the vein toward outer tunic: civilization fed from Heaven - Angel with eagle wings: a deliverer of sacrifical offerings; also Juan Diego's name meant "the eagle who speaks" (like a messenger angel) - Angel holding the tunic and robe: uniting Heaven and earth

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