A Joyful Feast About Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Gospel of Life

Today’s Mass at St. Joseph the Worker was truly uplifting, as we celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This feast commemorates the miraculous apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531, an event that led to the mass conversion of the Mexican people to Catholicism and Christianity. Before this divine intervention, the region was marked by practices such as human sacrifice. The appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe transformed not only hearts but the culture, ushering in a profound reverence for life.  

Fittingly, Our Lady of Guadalupe is now the patroness of the unborn. Her image, miraculously imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma, serves as a timeless reminder of the sanctity of life and God’s call to cherish and protect it at all stages. There were magnificent decorations in the church but I didn't have my phone on me so I couldn't take pictures to share in this piece. But I hope you get the picture in your mind alright and I found something online as you can see above. 

Today’s Gospel reading also reinforced this message beautifully. We heard the story of the unborn John the Baptist leaping for joy in Elizabeth’s womb at the sound of Mary’s greeting (Luke 1:41). This profound moment underscores the sacredness of life, even in the womb, and the divine connection between Mary, carrying our Lord, and Elizabeth, carrying the forerunner to Christ, John.  

Can you see the connections? The celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Gospel’s emphasis on life resonate deeply, reminding us of God’s boundless love and the dignity of every human being. Joy was the theme throughout. 

May we carry this message in our hearts, championing life, faith and joy wherever we go.  

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. 

God bless you, and

I remain your pal,  

Ronnie Law