Brothers and sisters, those of you who have gathered here today and those joining online, look around you. Each one carries its own joys and sorrows, its own triumphs and struggles. Perhaps this week, you've argued with your teenager, worried about a sick child, or felt the strain of making ends meet. In these moments, it's easy to feel alone. But today, on this Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we remember that we are not.
Imagine St. Juan Diego, a humble peasant, climbing Tepeyac Hill. He was weary from the journey, burdened by his uncle's illness. And then, bathed in celestial light, she appeared—Our Lady, his Mother. 'Am I not here, I who am your mother?' she asked. These words, spoken nearly 500 years ago, still echo in our hearts today.
A Comforting Mother
A few years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. It was a dream coming true. I was so taken up by the faith and devotion of the pilgrims. Standing before the miraculous image of Our Lady imprinted on Juan Diego's tilma, I felt the power of her motherly love, a love that transcends time and culture. Just as she appeared to Juan Diego in a time of turmoil and brought a message of hope and unity, she comes to us today, offering her protection and guidance.
Calling Us to Action
But Our Lady doesn't just offer comfort; she calls us to action. She wraps us in her loving embrace, but she also sends us forth, like Juan Diego, to share her message of hope. What does this look like in our lives? It means creating a sacred space in our homes where we can encounter God. Place an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe in a prominent place and gather your family there each day to pray the Rosary. It means following her example of love and forgiveness by reaching out to a family member in need, offering a helping hand, or extending forgiveness to someone who has hurt us.
Being Led to Christ
Brothers and sisters, let us leave here today with a renewed commitment to our families. Let us carry the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe in our hearts, a reminder of her unwavering love and her call to unity. Like Juan Diego, let us say 'yes' to her, and allow her to lead us closer to her Son, Jesus.
Prayer
Our Lady of Guadalupe,
Mother of families,
Pray for us. Protect our homes,
Strengthen our faith, and lead us to your Son, Jesus. Amen.
- Father Boby's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
.jpg "Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.")