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The legend says that in the year 1531, Juan Diego, an indigenous, who was walking in the hill of what is now Mexico City, had the first encounter with the virgin. Virgin of Guadalupe asked him to talk to the Bishop and tell him to build a church for her.
Juan Diego, immediately, talked to the Bishop, who told him to bring a sign in order for him to grant his petition.
When going back, Juan Diego saw the Virgin again and expressed that the Bishop wanted a sign. The Virgin told him to come back the next day.
But Juan Diego didn’t go back the next day. He stayed by his uncle who was very ill. But then, the day after, he met the Virgin again who told Juan Diego to go to the top of the hill and cut some flowers. Even thought at this time of the year, flower don’t grow in that region, he found them, cut them and brought them to the Bishop.
At that time, the Bishop could see the image of the Virgin reflected in Juan Diego’s cloak (tilma) and accepted the sign.
The historians say that also, Juan Diego’s uncle was cured from his terminal illness. This represented another sign from the Virgin.
Since then, and every year, people in Mexico attend the procession in Mexico City to where the original Basilica is located, gathering millions of peregrines form all around the county.
Also, those who are not residing in Mexico, celebrate and honor the Virgin of Guadalupe in their homes or churches.
This is a true feast and celebration for the Mexican community.
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