# Novena in Honour of Our Lady of Guadalupe
*2015-12-03*

> Bill Young leads a novena from December 3‑11 honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe, recounting the apparition story and praying for peace amid recent tragedies.

## The History of Our Lady of Guadalupe

On the night of December 9, 1531, Juan Diego, a 57‑year‑old Mexican‑Indian convert, was walking to a catechism class when he saw a brilliant light on the hill of Tepeyac. A sweet, crystalline music filled the air, and a feminine voice called to him. When he reached the summit, he beheld the Blessed Virgin Mary standing in glorious light. She spoke to him in his native Nahuatl, asking that a shrine be built on that spot so she could show her love, compassion, and protection to all who trust in her.

She instructed Juan to go to the bishop in Mexico City and convey her desire. The bishop was skeptical, so Juan returned to the hill. The Virgin appeared again, telling him to return to the bishop the next day and repeat her request. This time the bishop asked for a sign. Two days later, while Juan was on his way to bring a priest to a dying uncle, the Virgin told him to gather flowers from the hill, even though it was winter. He found a miraculous garden of blooming roses, cut them, and presented them to the Virgin. When he unfolded his cloak before the bishop, the flowers fell to the floor, revealing an image of the Virgin imprinted on the fabric—a miraculous portrait known as the tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The image has remained intact for more than four and a half centuries and is displayed today in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. The apparition led to the rapid conversion of eight million indigenous people within seven years. The original basilica was completed in 1709; a larger basilica was inaugurated on 12 October 1976, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year. In 1945 Pope Pius XII proclaimed Our Lady of Guadalupe patroness of the Americas, and she is also invoked as patroness of unborn children. Her feast day, 12 December, is a Holy Day of Obligation in Mexico.

## Opening Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God, come to my aid; the Lord will make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen.

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell, rose again on the third day, ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

## Novena Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of holiness, teach us your ways of gentleness and strength. With a humble heart, we ask you to intercede for the cessation of all murders, especially the mass shootings that have taken innocent lives.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

## Closing Blessing

May God bless you all. Have a great day.

*Through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we entrust the world to her maternal protection and pray for an end to violence.*