Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrating Maryís
apparition to an indigenous man, Juan Diego. This important
Mexican holiday represents Godís deep and intimate love for the
poor. Mary and Jesus walk with the poor through Juan Diego,
calling him by name and recognizing his dignity and the dignity
of the Mexican people, who had just been conquered by Spain.
Matilde Mendoza, a CFCA staff member from the town of Villa
Garcia, in the state of Nuevo Leon, summed up the importance of
the Virgin of Guadalupe to CFCAís sponsored members. ìThe words
of Mary to Juan Diego are the words that CFCA has contemplated:
ëAm I not here with you who am your Mother? Are you not under my
shadow and protection?í ìMary comes and gives hope, returning
the dignity of the people, uniting the cultures. Everyone
receives her love. This is CFCA for our sponsored people, making
present the words of Mary in their realities.î The story of the
Virgin of Guadalupe The morning of Dec. 9, 1531, Juan Diego was
walking near the Hill