Our Lady of Guadalupe Novena Day One

December 12 is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Tomorrow, December 4, begins a novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas. It is urgent that we keep our country in our constant prayers in this time of uncertainty. We need Mary's protective mantel around us.

“Am I not here, I, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need anything more? Let nothing else worry you, disturb you .”

These are Mary's words to Juan Diego when she appeared in Mexico in 1531. She is a loving mother to us all, waiting for us to fly to her protective arms.

Each day, I will post another fact about the original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. When Juan Diego told the bishop that Our Lady wanted a church built on that sight, the bishop asked for a sign. Our Lady directed Juan to the top of a hill where roses of many colors were blooming out of season. He gathered them in his cloak and when he opened it to show the roses to the bishop, the cloak, made of cactus fiber, was imprinted with a picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as she appeared to Juan Diego.

There are many things we know now about that cloak and its image that point to its authenticity and educational value. The fact that Our Lady is standing in front of a burst of light immediately told the Aztecs who saw the image, that this woman was more powerful than the sun god, which they worshiped. The bowed head and lowered eyes indicated that this woman, although more important than the sun (god) was not a goddess herself and that she was submissive to a higher power.


Here is the prayer for the first day of the Novena.

Novena Prayer: Day One

Dearest Lady of Guadalupe, fruitful Mother of holiness, teach me your ways of gentleness and strength. Hear my humble prayer offered with heartfelt confidence to beg this favor......

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pray for us!