Eps 11: Saint Juan Diego took off his own hat and the Virgin Mary told what happened
— Historia de la Apariciones Guadalupanos
In this 10-minute podcast, the story of Saint Juan Diego and the Virgin Mary is discussed. Juan Diego was a native Mexican peasant who had a remarkable encounter with the Virgin Mary in 1531. According to the story, while on his way to church, Juan Diego saw a dazzling light and heard a melodious voice calling his name. He followed the voice and came across the Virgin Mary, who appeared to him on a hill. The Virgin Mary requested that Juan Diego go to the bishop and ask for a church to be built in her honor on that very spot. Juan Diego obeyed and went to the bishop, but he was met with disbelief and skepticism. The bishop dismissed his claims, asking for a miraculous sign as proof. Crestfallen, Juan Diego returned to the hill, where the Virgin Mary was waiting. He relayed the bishop's response to her, and she reassured him that she would provide him with a sign. A few days later, Juan Diego's beloved uncle fell gravely ill, so he set out to find a priest for the last rites. However, he had to pass through the same hill where he had encountered the Virgin Mary. He took a different route to avoid her, as he didn't want to disappoint her by failing to bring the bishop's sign. But the Virgin Mary intercepted him, assuring him that his uncle would be cured and urging him to climb the hill and gather flowers. Juan Diego was surprised to find blooming roses on top of the barren hill, and he gathered them in his cloak, called a tilma. Carrying the flowers, Juan Diego returned to the bishop. As he unfolded his tilma to reveal the miraculous roses, an even greater miracle occurred. An image of the Virgin Mary appeared on the cloak, which remains intact to this day and is displayed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. This event led to the bishop's conversion and the construction of the church as requested by the Virgin Mary. Saint Juan Diego's humble devotion and trust played a significant role in this miracle, showing the power of faith and the intercession of the Virgin Mary.
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Host
Gertrude Boyd
Podcast Content
Introduction:
Welcome to today's podcast episode, where we explore an intriguing encounter between Saint Juan Diego and the Virgin Mary. In this extraordinary event, Juan Diego's hat played a central role and became a vessel for the divine. Join us as we delve into the story behind the hat, the Virgin Mary's message, and the lasting impact of this miraculous encounter.
The Hat's Significance:
Juan Diego, a humble indigenous man from Mexico, was known for his deep faith and devotion to the Virgin Mary. As he walked to the local church on a chilly winter morning in December 1531, he encountered the Virgin herself in a miraculous apparition at Tepeyac Hill. But it was not only the Virgin's presence that captivated Juan Diego; it was the subsequent events involving his hat that would leave an indelible mark on history.
A Request from the Virgin Mary:
When Juan Diego initially met the Virgin, she imparted a profound request. She asked him to visit the local bishop and request the construction of a church at the location of their encounter. Overwhelmed and hesitant, Juan Diego sought the bishop's audience, but unfortunately, his pleas were met with skepticism.
A Miraculous Sign:
Seemingly undeterred, Juan Diego returned to the hill, eager to find an answer from the Virgin Mary. After explaining his struggles to her, she, with benevolence and love, instructed him to gather flowers that miraculously bloomed on the barren hilltop and present them to the bishop as a sign. Juan Diego, following her guidance, collected the vibrant Castilian roses in his cloak, commonly known as a tilma.
The Tilma and Juan Diego's Journey:
However, upon meeting the bishop once again, Juan Diego unwrapped his tilma to reveal the beautiful roses. To his astonishment, the bishop's eyes were drawn not only to the flowers but to an even more astonishing sight—a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary imprinted on the tilma itself. This image, in essence, contained the message and proof Juan Diego sought to deliver.
The Hat's Role:
Now, let us turn our attention back to Juan Diego's hat. As he spoke to the bishop, he took off his hat, revealing the Virgin's image imprinted in a smaller version. This was another extraordinary aspect of the story, for the Virgin, in her profound grace, had chosen to imprint her image not only on the tilma but also on Juan Diego's hat. This served as a testament to the authenticity and divine nature of the encounter, reinforcing the message she wanted Juan Diego to convey.
The Virgin Mary Speaks:
Following these miraculous events, the Virgin Mary addressed Juan Diego with tender affection and reassurance, sharing her love for all her children. She referred to herself as the Mother of all peoples and promised her divine protection for those who sought her intercession.
The Enduring Impact:
The encounter between Saint Juan Diego and the Virgin Mary, culminating in the miraculous imprints on the tilma and Juan Diego's hat, continues to captivate and inspire people around the world. The image on Juan Diego's hat symbolizes the profound connection between humanity and the divine, reminding us of the power of faith and the blessings that arise from encounters with the spiritual realm.
Conclusion:
In this podcast episode, we have explored the story of Saint Juan Diego and the Virgin Mary's extraordinary encounter. Through the symbolism of Juan Diego's hat and the imprint of the Virgin's image, this event underscores the enduring power of faith and the profound impact of divine intervention in our lives. May this tale inspire us to seek spirituality, foster love, and embrace the miracles that can occur when we open ourselves to the presence of the divine. Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey today.