Our Lady of Guadalupe

A TRIBUTE TO MARY by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a Protestant American poet reminds all America:

"This is indeed the Blessed Mary's Land,

Virgin and Mother of our dear Redeemer!

All Hearts are touched and softened at her name:

The priest, the prince, the scholar, and the peasant.

Alike the bandit with the bloody hand,

Pay homage to her as one ever present!

And even as children who have much offended

A too-indulgent father, in great shame,

Penitent, and yet not daring unattended

To go into his presence, at the gate

Speak to their sister, and confiding wait

Till she goes in before and intercedes.

So men, repenting of their evil deeds

And yet not venturing rashly to draw near,

With their requests, an angry Father's ear

Offer to Mary prayers and their confession

And she in Heaven for them makes intercession.

And if our faith had given us nothing more

Than this example of all womanhood,

So mild, so merciful, so strong, so good

So patient, peaceful, loyal, loving, pure

These were enough to prove it higher and truer

Than all the creeds the world has known before."

“Hear me and understand well...that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed... Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? - Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego.

Today, December 12, is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.