Our Lady of Guadelupe

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadelupe, who is honoured by Catholics as the patroness of the Americas.

Recently, I posted regarding the Shroud of Turin. The image of Guadelupe is similarly a mysterious one, beyond simple explanation, that has undergone investigation. Many believe that this is a miraculous image, that was given when Mary appeared to a native Mexican in 1531. Though made of cactus fibre that does not last long, the cloth that this image is on has endured centuries. Even a bomb placed by anti-catholics was not successful in destroying it.

Tonight in Windsor, the large annual multicultural celebration of this Feast will take place again at the historic Assumption Church. It is amazing because several ethnic communities participate, for example the Hispanic choir, African volunteers, Lebanese children, Filipino volunteers, and so on. The many languages and cultures participating really portrays the universality of the Catholic Church. After all, Catholic means universal.

It is a fascinating story and an inspirational time.

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