Brief History of St. Juan Diego
Thousands of people gathered in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe July 31, 2002, for the canonization of Juan Diego, to whom the Blessed Mother appeared in the 16th century. Pope John Paul II celebrated the ceremony at which the poor Indian peasant became the Church’s first saint indigenous to the Americas.
The Holy Father called the new saint "a simple, humble Indian" who accepted Christianity without giving up his identity as an Indian. Among the thousands present for the event were members of Mexico’s 64 indigenous groups.
First called Cuauhtlatohuac ("The eagle who speaks"), Juan Diego’s name is forever linked with Our Lady of Guadalupe because it was to him that she first appeared at Tepeyac Hill on December 9, 1531. The most famous part of his story is told in connection with the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. After the roses gathered in his tilma were transformed into the miraculous image of Our Lady, however, little more is said about Juan Diego.
He lived near the shrine constructed at Tepeyac, revered as holy, unselfish and compassionate catechist who taught by word and especially by example.
During his 1990 pastoral vist to Mexico, Pope John Paul II confirmed the long-standing liturgical cult in honor of Juan Diego, beatifying him. Twelve years later, he was proclaimed a saint.
Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 11: 28-30)
Jesus said to the crowds:
"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
