OUR LADY OF GUADALOUPE

The miraculous image of the Virgin Mary appeared in 1531 in Mexico on the cloak of an indigenous man. The painted figure, on the rough burlap-like cloth is displayed in a basilica near Mexico City where it is the goal of many pilgrims, both from Mexico and from abroad. In accounts of the miraculous image, the Virgin appeared to Juan Diego several times on a mountain near his home. Unable to convince the local bishop that the apparations were real, Diego begged the Lady for a sign. When he next visited the bishop, his cloak was opened to reveal blooming roses, and the image of Mary painted on it's surface.

This painting of the Lady of Guadaloupe draws on the original painting for inspiration and includes the roses associated with its first appearance. It also shows the corn and earth Goddess, Tonantzin, whose name means "Our mother" and whose temple, only ten years before in pre-Hispanic times, was situated on the same hill where the Virgin now appeared It is interesting to note that both Tonantzin and the Virgin were associated with the moon, prominent under the feet of the Lady of Guadaloupe, and both sites were centers of pilgrimage cults. The sun rays behind the Virgin were also associated with the earlier goddess and form a natural transition from the pre-Chirstian to the Christian image. Because the Lady of Guadaloupe appeared to be dark-skinned, the indigenous people claimed her as their special patroness and today she is acclaimed Queen of Mexico. Her image replaced the Corn Goddess in their affections and all over Mexico, statues of the Virgin of Guadaloupe are seen. Many are clothed in real mantles and carried in elaborate processions of feast days. Her image has been known to work miracles from it's first appearance and draws many pilgrims daily.