Our Lady of Guadalupe's most precious words (1531) are remarkably similar to the words Pius IX employed for the ending of his infallible definition of the Immaculate Conception (1854). Her apparition and the dogma serve the same purpose. It's not coincidental that these two feasts closely follow one upon the other (Dec 8, Dec 12) - or that they celebrated during Advent. 2000 years ago Jesus came to Bethlehem, and then 500 years ago He came to the Americas: to bring light and salvation. Yet He does so through the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He has established His chosen pattern. Jesus will come this way to judge the living in the dead. And this is how He comes to us in Holy Communion.
December 12, 2021 by Fr. Michael Rodríguez