P and I recently returned from a pilgrimage that took us to Catholic shrines in Mexico, the highlight being the Marian shrines of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Ocotlan. Ever since we got married on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Gaudalupe coming to seven years ago, it has been a dream of ours to one day be able to give thanks in front of the celebrated image of a pregnant Mother Mary immortalized on the tilma of Juan Diego, to whom she appeared first on December 9, 1531 on Tepeyac Hill.
This year was the appointed time and it was such a time of blessing. There was private mass celebrated daily in English in beautiful churches, and most significantly, in the Church of the Fifth Apparition (also known as Santa Maria Tulpetlac) which is built around the home of Juan Bernardino, Juan Diego's uncle, who saw Our Lady, and was subsequently cured of his illness. Both P and I felt very privileged to visit these places where Our Mother appeared all those years ago, and we both know she is here with us still, quietly encouraging us to serve in tangible selfless ways. modelled on Jesus and what He did when on earth.
We saw many holy relics as well as the incorrupt body of Blessed Sebastian de Aparicio who became a Franciscan brother at the age of 72. We were also privileged to meet the Bishop of Cuernavaca, Bishop Ramon Castro Castro who was about to officiate at a confirmation mass when we were leaving the grounds of the Cathedral. He gave us a blessing before he went in for mass.
Apart from the many stories of miracles, and the opportunity to lay eyes on the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on three separate occasions, what was most edifying for us was to witness the fervent faith of fellow pilgrims, young men and women who were moved to tears as they prayed in front of the sacred image, and the endless processions of joyous pilgrims who thronged the Basilica grounds. Not forgetting the rich history of this particular Marian apparition and its very concrete evidence (of the tilma), and how it led to the conversion and healing of many, even to this very day.
There is no question in my mind that God is alive, and that He lives in you and me. He is alive in the incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ, who continues to walk among us some 2,000 years later after His resurrection, inspiring us through His Holy Spirit. God also shows up in the many ordinary people, like Mother Mary, and all the different men and women who said yes to Him and His will in their lives.
As Advent draws to a close, a season where we are encouraged to turn back to Him, to experience repentance, I like to think that I did succeed in changing my heart and mind in little ways that demonstrated me exercising the gift of faith I received in baptism. Of course, I fall short, and I will always fall short each day, but I also know that if I try my best and never stop striving to be more like Him, then His ways can prevail more and more.
My biggest takeaway from this pilgrimage to Mexico is to never stop being faithful in worship and prayer, not just for my own personal growth that comes from self-revelations I receive in my prayer time, but to also pray for others and their needs. This should always be my first pass when serving others, both loved ones and those whom I come into contact with on a daily basis - prayer, followed by practical and concrete action. Prayer transforms the way I love and it aids me in loving with humility and wisdom; to know when and what to do, and when to let go, and let God do the rest.
And when I need inspiration and encouragement, I would do well to go to Mother Mary who once reassured Juan Diego all those years ago: Am I not here, I who am your mother? Thank you, Mother, for your guidance and gentle ways. Teach me how to listen to the Father, as you did with such unerring obedience.
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