The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Empress of America, is the true
story of the most remarkable event in the history of the Americas.
On a cold December morning in 1531, the Mother of God appeared on a
barren hilltop to a humble Aztec convert to Christianity. That
meeting and the others that followed changed not only the life of
Juan Diego, but also the course of history for both the Aztecs and
the Spanish conquerors.
The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Empress of America, tells St.
Juan Diego's story with the aid of 18 beautiful full-color
photographs of the paintings of master artist, Jorge
Sanchez-Hernandez. His "Nican Mopohua" collection is perhaps the
most exquisite and moving depiction of the apparitions ever
painted. Children and adults will delight in seeing these images
bring to life this timeless story. About the Story
Unlike many of Our Lady's appearances in other places, such as
Fatima and Medjugorje, Mary comes with no general message in words
for the world, but rather with a mission of action for two men. To
Juan Diego, "Go and ask, and keep on asking," and to Bishop
Zumarraga, "Build a temple." The extraordinary friendship between
the Mother of God and St. Juan Diego exemplifies mutual trust,
self-confidence, courage, and perseverance.
In contrast, Mary's message intended for the Aztec people and
Spanish settlers alike, was spoken not with words, but eloquently
with an image of herself, an image whose symbols the people then
living would know how to interpret. Thus, with one exquisitely
rendered self-portrait and a tilma full of roses, Our Lady changes
hearts, liberates a people from the suffering of human sacrifice,
and gives hope for the end offoreign oppression. With her
mysterious painting, Our Lady would begin, on a grand scale, the
spiritual conversion of Mexico that Christian missionaries up to
that time had been unable to accomplish.
Our Lady's spoken message was, effectively, "Come to me and tell me
all your woes and problems, I am your Merciful Mother, the Mother
of the One, True God, the Mother of all the nations on Earth, and I
want to alleviate your sufferings." She comes as Mother to remind
us that she is ever with us, always ready to help, to guide, to
comfort, nurture and love us. No obstacle stands in her way. We
need only turn to her in our anxiety.
St. Juan Diego gives an example to all those who would volunteer
for noble causes, but not by neglecting his family, even though he
has been asked directly to go on a divine mission. Our Lady
acknowledges and respects his devotion to his dying uncle, Juan
Bernardino, whom she visits to comfort and cure him, and give him
also a message for the bishop.
The story appeals delightfully to young boys and girls whose
confidence and self-esteem may be fragile - the littlest ones; the
quiet, timid ones; the misunderstood and overlooked ones, as they
find in Juan Diego encouragement and hope. Their Mother in Heaven
notices their needs and their circumstances, and she will stand by
them in all they must face because they are very dear to her.
The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Empress of America is a
treasure for children and equally rich and rewarding for their
parents. The human heart is made to respond to stories, and simple
stories simply told can lead to the greatest discoveries of meaning
and reality. Allow this story to rest in your heart and learn howit
applies urgently and easily to many areas of your own life. Order
your gift copies - and your own copy - now.
Letters from children
Children have responded to The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe:
Empress of America, with intense interest and wide-eyed
fascination. Following are excerpts from letters written by
children to whom the author had read the manuscript long before it
was published.
The first three excerpts are from children suffering from Attention
Deficit Disorder:
"Very simple to read. With help, I was able to sound out words.
Meanings are easy to understand. Liked the book, liked the
pictures. Good story, not boring. Good Catholic book. Mary is very
pretty and I liked Juan Diego."
Amanda, 10 years
"This is better than any other religion book, because religion
books are boring, but not this one. Can I have a copy?"
Scott, 11 years
"Good, never knew what was going to happen next. Couldn't wait to
turn the page, always had to read on. Didn't fall asleep during it,
like I usually do when I read by myself. Would like an autographed
copy if published. The characters are very interesting and I liked
the action."
Matthew, 12 years
The next is a letter from a second grade class:
"Thank you for visiting our class. We learned that Mary appeared to
poor people or children. This time she appeared to Juan Diego. We
liked the part where the Bishop held his breath. The pictures are
beautiful and we would like a copy of the book. Mary never leaves
us and She loves us. Love from the children in room 110."
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