The story of Our Lady of Guadalupe is inextricably linked to miraculous events that have marked history and shaped the faith of millions of believers. These miracles are often attributed to the apparition of the Virgin Mary on Tepeyac Hill in 1531 and to the miraculous image left on Juan Diego's tilma.
The Healing of Juan Bernardino:
Juan Diego's uncle, Juan Bernardino, was seriously ill at the time of the Virgin's apparition. Juan Diego, tasked with finding a priest to administer the last rites, went around the hill of Tepeyac to avoid the Virgin Mary. However, she intercepted him and assured him that his uncle had already been healed. Later, Juan Diego discovered that, at the very moment of the apparition, his uncle had been miraculously healed.The Roses of Castile:
When the Virgin Mary asked Juan Diego to pick roses on the arid hill of Tepeyac in the middle of winter, he expected to find only cacti and thorns. However, he discovered Castille roses, which were not indigenous to the region and could not have bloomed in this season. This was a divine sign and a key element of the miracle.
The Image on the Tilma:
One of the most famous miracles is that of the image of the Virgin Mary that appeared on Juan Diego's tilma (cloak). When Juan Diego unfolded his cloak in front of Bishop Fray Juan de Zumárraga, the image of the Virgin was miraculously printed on the fabric. It was not a painting, but an image that defied all scientific explanation at the time, and it has remained perfectly preserved for centuries.
The Symbol of the Virgin:
The image itself is rich in symbols that have deeply touched the indigenous peoples. The Virgin Mary is depicted in a posture that was understood as a pregnant woman, which was seen as a sign of fertility and life. The stars on her mantle correspond to the configuration of the sky on the day of the apparition, adding an astronomical dimension to the miracle.
The Indestructible Tilma:
The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Juan Diego's tilma defied the laws of nature. It has withstood the test of time, exposure to light, humidity, fire and even chemical attack. Experts have marvelled at its durability, defying rational explanation.
These miracles have profoundly influenced devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. They were sources of inspiration for the conversion of many Mexicans to the Christian faith and continue to inspire faith and devotion in millions of people around the world. Today, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City is a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions of visitors each year to witness the power and grace of the miracles associated with this beloved Virgin.
