# Advent 2009 – A Joyful Journey – St. Juan Diego
*2009-12-08*

> Bill Young reflects on Advent by praying a family prayer, reading Scripture, and sharing the inspiring story of St. Juan Diego, the humble Mexican farmer who received Our Lady of Guadalupe.

## Opening Prayer

Bill begins with a prayer given to him by his aunt, Sister Mary Teresa:

“Hail and blessed be the hour and the moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary at midnight in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour of vows, O my God, hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Blessed Mother. Amen.”

## Scripture for the Day

The readings for the second Wednesday of Advent are taken from Isaiah 40:25‑31 and Matthew 11:28‑30. Isaiah reminds us that the Lord gives strength to the weary, and Matthew invites all who are burdened to come to Christ for rest.

## The Story of St. Juan Diego

Bill recounts the life of Juan Diego, a poor Mexican farmer born in 1474. While walking the fifteen miles to Mass, he saw a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary, dressed in the colors of an Aztec princess. She asked him to build a church on that spot.

Juan went to the bishop, who was skeptical. The bishop asked Juan to bring proof. Juan returned with his cloak (the *tilma*) filled with roses that did not grow in Mexico, and an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe miraculously imprinted on the cloth. This event led to many conversions, and Our Lady of Guadalupe became the patroness of the Americas. In 2002, Pope John Paul II canonized Juan Diego.

Bill notes the tenderness of the story and how it mirrors the Gospel invitation: even the wary and burdened are welcomed. Juan respected the bishop’s authority while faithfully presenting his vision.

## Family Activity

Bill suggests telling children the story of Juan Diego, perhaps acting out the roles of Juan, the Virgin Mary, and the bishop. Pictures of the Guadalupe image can be found online. He also recommends praying a decade of the Rosary together as a family.

## Closing Prayer

Bill leads a short prayer:

“Our world needs the humility of Juan Diego and the tenderness toward the burdens of the poor. As we were born into this world on Christmas Day, may we be reborn in love within our families today. Amen.”

*Advent invites us to follow Juan Diego’s example—humble obedience, reverent listening, and sharing the light of Christ with others.*