Mexico has a Queen, and she lives in Mexico City. For her birthday, on Dec. 12, millions of Mexicans walk through the city to her home and pay her homage. Some citizens walk by kneeling at house, thanking her for answering their pleas. Her name is Guadalupe- the Virgin of Guadalupe or La Morenita (meaning the brunette lady). She is a symbol of patriotism, protector and cultural icon.

Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, has made supernatural appearances for years, which are known as Marian apparitions. The Vatican has recognized 17 apparitions of the Virgin Mary, although 386 cases have been reported during the 20th century. Recently, the Virgin Mary made an appearance on Dec. 12, 2018, in the city of Artesia, California., and she is still there a year later.

The Blessed Virgin Mary made a total of four apparitions to the Indian Juan Diego and once to his uncle. The Virgin Mary spoke to Juan Diego in his native Nahuatl language and told him that she wanted a church built on the hill where she appeared. Juan Diego went to see the archbishop Fray Juan de Zumarraga-a total of 3 times-, insisting the Virgin mother had visited, but the archbishop did not believe him. The archbishop demanded proof. Juan Diego was supposed to meet the Virgin Mother for the fourth time, but Diego’s uncle became ill, and he was unable. On Dec. 12, Juan Diego’s uncle’s condition worsened, and he went in search of a priest to give his uncle last death rites. Juan Diego took a different path to avoid seeing her because he was embarrassed. The Virgin Mary appeared again, asking him why he did not show up for his meeting. He informed her of his uncle. She told him not to worry, stating, “Am I not here, me that I am your mother?” She informed him that she met with his uncle and cured him. Mary instructed him to pick roses, place them into his tilma (or cloak) and take them to the archbishop. Juan Diego carried the roses to the archbishop, and when he dropped his tilma, an image of the Virgin appeared on the fabric.

Today, there is a massive plaza (La Villa de Guadalupe) with several churches and the modern basilica where she lives. The old basilica is sinking, which caused the structure to be at an incline; it is like walking up a hill, and it is the craziest thing. The Virgin of Guadalupe has survived earthquakes and a bombing (a man placed a bomb in under the image in 1921), yet she remains more vibrant than ever. 

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