In the U.S.A., the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary was moved to TODAY (because yesterday was the Second Sunday of Advent); today would ordinarily be the memorial of Saint Juan Diego, who first saw “La Virgencita” on Tepeyac hill outside of Mexico City on this day in 1531. In fact, the Immaculate Conception used to be celebrated on December 9 in some places in the Roman Church (and the Eastern churches celebrate “the Conception of Saint Anne” every year on December 9, incorporating ancient traditions about Mary’s parents). Juan Diego was actually traveling to Mass for this feast day when the Mother of God first appeared to him and commissioned him to be her “messenger” to the bishop.Thus, the “Guadalupe Days” have begun once again, to culminate on December 12, when we commemorate the gift of Mary's image to the world, and in a particular way to the lands and peoples of the continents we call "America."
Note that the 500th Anniversary of Guadalupe is in 2031 (a mere seven years away).
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe can heal the wounds of our hemisphere and bring reconciliation and solidarity to our peoples. If we ask her, she will do it ... but she will make us her collaborators and we will have to work hard and be patient. Just ask Juan Diego about that!
