About Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe refers to the Virgin Mary’s reported appearances to Saint Juan Diego, an Indigenous Nahua man, on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City in December 1531. According to tradition, she spoke to him in his native language and asked that a church be built at the site. When the bishop requested proof, Mary instructed Juan Diego to gather miraculous winter roses and present them to the bishop; when he opened his tilma, her image appeared on the fabric instantly. The tilma—made of agave fiber that should have decayed centuries ago—still displays the iconic image, rich with Indigenous symbolism such as the maternity ribbon, the stars on her mantle, and the sun and moon imagery. Today, she stands as a powerful symbol of faith, unity, cultural identity, and hope for millions across the Americas. Her basilica in Mexico City, which houses the original tilma, is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, especially during her feast day on December 12.