(Translated from the original Spanish)
Federal District
Mexico City
12 December 2010
Dear COR INVICTUS:
The early hours of this great day is cold but it did not dampen the spirit of the Mexican faithful to come from their homes in the middle of the night to give a rousing welcome to a very special day, the feast of our Virgencita Guadalupe.
Men and women of all age came in throng in my parish for the traditional Mananita. Babies were cozy in their strollers while other Moms and Dads prefer to cuddle their babies in their arms sometimes bottle-fed with a warm thermos milk while they venerate the Virgin with songs, dances and prayers.
Some women were spotted in their official Mexican dress while a number of men, young and old, dressed up like a tilma and bag-clad Juan Diego. There were also a number who came in Aztec costume with pinned Lady's image --- thankful for their conversion in faith.
All were upbeat and determined to spend some hours with our Lady.
Our best band came over and rocked the church with their best Marian and patriotic renditions sending the faithful to their feet to dance with with rhytmic clapping, hand-waving and parading in the aisle as they venerate the Virgen.
In our correspondence, you mentioned that in the Philippines, you address Mary with "Mama" and you consider her as someone who is just near somewhere. We have the same disposition that just like our human mother, we can go to her in times of trouble, hardship and whenever we need maternal comfort, love and protection. We are blessed that the Mother of God chose to appear in our land centuries ago to the poor and simple Juan Diego.
As you know in the past, this country experienced religious persecution. The clergy were not allowed to do their official roles and were not even allowed to wear their sotana. I am sure you heard about the Mexican martyrs. Take note that those who wanted to make this country atheist are long gone BUT our faith remains unchanged and strong and the Church thay they wanted to destroy is still standing , strong and vibrant.
As you know in the past, this country experienced religious persecution. The clergy were not allowed to do their official roles and were not even allowed to wear their sotana. I am sure you heard about the Mexican martyrs. Take note that those who wanted to make this country atheist are long gone BUT our faith remains unchanged and strong and the Church thay they wanted to destroy is still standing , strong and vibrant.
Our preferred cry to her is "Viva Virgen de Guadalupe!" and be answered "Viva!". Wearing a T-shirt with our Virgin's image is a part of day to day life. Some are added with her words "Am I not here, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection?" and other phrases respecting her like "Blessed are you Virgin of Guadalupe". There is also a word of surrender written below the image saying "My life is in your hands".
Earlier in the evening, it was touching to join children praying the rosary with their little and small voice but with gigantic expression of love and faith. My eyes were not dry when these children, all wearing the modern tilma were instructed to go before the image of our Lady of Guadalupe and say their personal prayers. They were told "She is your mother and tell her how much you love her and ask anything you want from her. Look at her face. That is her picture. No human person painted it. She gave it to us just like a loved giving her/his picture."
Back in the church in the early morning, in less than one hour at around 15 till one, the church was full and there were a number bringing flowers (some expensive-looking) leaving them in front of the much venerated icon.
There are a lot of Mexican food and festivities in our parish today and as always, when this day comes, Mexicans and the rest of Americas give their best to our Lady of Guadalupe. May she strengthen our faith and may she save and protect Mexico!
Note: When I walked home at around 3:00 AM from the church till close to our house, a Mexican food aroma accompanied me home. But who cooks at that early? Why did the scent trail me for half a mile?)
_______________
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