Why is the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe one of the most significant events in the history of the Americas? On this Feast Day (December 12th), Fr. Greg Heille of the Aquinas Institute of Theology reflects on the profound timing of Mary’s appearance at Tepeyac.
Occurring in 1531, just ten years after the violent conquest of Mexico by Hernán Cortés, Mary did not appear as a conqueror, but as an indigenous woman. In this homily, Fr. Greg explores how her presence was a radical act of solidarity with the poor and subjected people.
Drawing from the Book of Judith and Pope Leo 's Dilexi Te (Love for the Poor), this reflection challenges us to see the Incarnation as God becoming vulnerable. Just as Mary walked with the indigenous people of Mexico, we are called today to accompany the vulnerable and stand in solidarity with those in need.
**Key Themes:**
* The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
* History of the 1531 Apparition vs. the 1521 Conquest
* The Church’s option for the poor
* Finding hope in times of subjugation
**🙏 Timestamps / Chapters:**
0:00 - Introduction: The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
0:15 - "The Highest Honor of Our Race": The Book of Judith
0:40 - 1531: A Message of Hope After the Conquest
1:10 - Mary as an Indigenous Woman
1:27 - Pope Leo 's Dilexi Te
1:47 - The Incarnation as an Act of Vulnerability
2:11 - Conclusion: The Call to Walk with the Poor
**Hashtags:**
#OurLadyOfGuadalupe #Catholic #Homily #SocialJustice #FrGregHeille #AquinasInstitute #VirginMary #Faith #Solidarity #PreferentialOptionForThePoor #Tepeyac
