Yesterday was the feast day of St. Juan Diego. And I realized that the saying that our Lady told him, is right near me and where I look each day in my room. "Am I not here, who am your Mother?" Such beautiful words, and such a beautiful reminder as we soon celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
I have pasted this image of Our Lady of Guadalupe with her sweet words on my wall after having a difficult time and receiving a gift bag from my dear sister Elisabeth, and on it were these words. How instantly comforting they were for me (as well as the gifts!) and I have kept it up ever since.
I feel that Our Lady of Guadalupe is my favorite apparition of Our Lady. I have connected with it over the years and love looking at the beautiful image and knowing the backstory. It's the namesake church where my sister and her husband were married in El Salvador, so special!
Though I've never been to Mexico City, one of my sister's had a friend who went and brought back a prayer card of Our Lady of Guadalupe that I keep in my wallet. While recently visiting a gravesite, there was a statue of Juan Diego kneeling before another of Our Lady of Guadalupe. And this beautiful image of her is one that I pray under every time I go to the local church, and seek her protection, consolation, support and guidance throughout many seasons and journeys of life.
Reading more about St. Zelie and St. Louis Martin and their married lives as well as when they had not met yet, Zelie was discerning her path in life, her work, her career. On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in the evening, Zelie heard a soft voice declaring for her to do lace as a career path. This gives me great joy and confidence as I have been discerning for a while of what my path is in terms of career/work, and vocation. St. Zelie (and St Louis) are great examples and intercessors, as well as Our Lady.
I want to continue in devotion to Our Lady (of Guadalupe) as she is the patroness of the Americas, the unborn, and various things that we need, desire and pray for.
Happy week of Feast days!
This was such a lovely post Colleen. Such special connections to this apparition, and so glad you treasure that quote I put on that gift bag. I didn't know that about St. Zelie.. but so beautiful how you can relate to her discernment. Really enjoyed this post sis!
ReplyDeleteAww thanks for reading and your sweet comment sis! Xoxo
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