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"Singing Eagle"

Dedicated to St. Juan Diego Cuahtlatoatizn

Model for Lay Apostles

 

Pope John Paul II beatified him on May 6, 1990 and canonized on July 31, 2002

INTRODUCTION: "I thank you, Father ... that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was your gracious will" (Mt 11:25-26). (Passage taken from Mass Reading for July 31, 2002)

FIRST MYSTERY: Accepting the Gospel of Jesus

Similar to ancient Biblical personages who were collective representations of all the people, we could say that Juan Diego represents all the indigenous peoples who accepted the Gospel of Jesus, thanks to the maternal aid of Mary, who is always inseparable from the manifestation of her Son and the spread of the Church, as was her presence among the Apostles on the day of Pentecost. (Beatification Homily of 6 May 1990)
YOU MAY REPEAT AFTER EACH DECADE:

Beloved Juan Diego, "the talking eagle"! Show us the way that leads to the "Dark Virgin" of Tepeyac, that she may receive us in the depths of her heart, for she is the loving, compassionate Mother who guides us to the true God. Amen.

SECOND MYSTERY: Holiness and Trust

The information about Juan Diego that has reached us praises his Christian virtues: his simple faith, nourished by catechesis and open to the mysteries; his hope and trust in God and in the Virgin; his love, his moral coherence, his unselfishness and evangelical poverty. (Beatification Homily of 6 May 1990)
THIRD MYSTERY: Our Lady's presence

Living the life of a hermit here near Tepeyac, he was a model of humility. The Virgin chose him from among the most humble as the one to receive that loving and gracious manifestation of hers which is the Guadalupe apparition. Her maternal face and her Saint image which she left us as a priceless gift is a permanent remembrance of this. In this manner she wanted to remain among you as a sign of the communion and unity of all those who were to live together in this land. (Beatification Homily of 6 May 1990)
FOURTH MYSTERY: Holiness in the world for others

The lay faithful share in the prophetic, priestly and royal role of Christ (cf. Lumen Gentium, 31), but they carry out this vocation in the ordinary situations of daily life. Their natural and immediate field of action extends to all the areas of human coexistence and to everything that constitutes culture in the widest and fullest sense of the term…"In order to achieve their task directed to the Christian animation of the temporal order, in the sense of serving persons and society, the lay faithful are never to relinquish their participation in public life, that is, in the many different economic, social, legislative, administrative and cultural areas, which are intended to promote organically and institutionally the common good" (CF n. 42). (Beatification Homily of 6 May 1990)

FIFTH MYSTERY: All children of God; All children of Mary

"The Lord looks down from heaven, he sees all the sons of men" (Ps 33:13), we recited with the Psalmist, once again confessing our faith in God, who makes no distinctions of race or culture. In accepting the Christian message without forgoing his indigenous identity, Juan Diego discovered the profound truth of the new humanity, in which all are called to be children of God. Thus he facilitated the fruitful meeting of two worlds and became the catalyst for the new Mexican identity, closely united to Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose mestizo face expresses her spiritual motherhood which embraces all Mexicans. (Canonization Homily July 31, 2002)

Closing:

Happy Juan Diego, true and faithful man! We entrust to you our lay brothers and sisters so that, feeling the call to holiness, they may imbue every area of social life with the spirit of the Gospel. Bless families, strengthen spouses in their marriage, sustain the efforts of parents to give their children a Christian upbringing. Look with favor upon the pain of those who are suffering in body or in spirit, on those afflicted by poverty, loneliness, marginalization or ignorance. May all people, civic leaders and ordinary citizens, always act in accordance with the demands of justice and with respect for the dignity of each person, so that in this way peace may be reinforced. (Canonization Homily July 31, 2002)

 

"Singing Eagle"

Information, Formation, Transformation

August 14, 2009

PRO SANCTITY Virtual RETREAT/PILGRIMAGE

to the Shrine of OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

MEXICO CITY

DAY ONE

Transformation!

Pay attention along the way…

Mind: What strikes you as you begin the journey with Juan Diego? What did you learn?

Heart: What gift does the Lord have for you on this day? Where is your heart touched?

Hands: Where is the Lord's grace of the taking you? What does He want you to share with the others?

 

Information

 St. Juan Diego

Juan Diego was born in 1474 in the calpulli or ward of Tlayacac in Cuauhtitlan, which was established in 1168 by Nahua tribesmen and conquered by the Aztec lord Axayacatl in 1467; and was located 20 kilometers (14 miles) north of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City).

On December 9, 1531, a native Mexican named Juan Diego rose before dawn to walk fifteen miles to daily Mass in what is now Mexico City. Juan lived a simple life as a weaver, farmer, and laborer. That morning, as Juan passed Tepeyac Hill, he heard music and saw a glowing cloud encircled by a rainbow. A woman's voice called him to the top of the hill. There he saw a beautiful young woman dressed like an Aztec princess. She said she was the Virgin Mary and asked Juan to tell the bishop to build a church on that site. She said, "I vividly desire that a church be built on this site, so that in it I can be present and give my love, compassion, help, and defense, for I am your most devoted mother . . . to hear your laments and to remedy all your miseries, pains, and sufferings."

The bishop was kind but skeptical. He asked Juan to bring proof of the Lady's identity. Before Juan could go back to the Lady, he found out his uncle was dying. Hurrying to get a priest, Juan missed his meeting with the Lady. The Lady, however, met him on his path and told him that his uncle had been cured.

She then told Juan to climb to the top of the hill where they first met. Juan was shocked to find flowers growing in the frozen soil. He gathered them in his cloak and took them at once to the bishop.

Juan told the bishop what had happened and opened his cloak. The flowers that fell to the ground were Castilian roses (which were not grown in Mexico). But the bishop's eyes were on the glowing image of the Lady imprinted inside Juan's cloak.

Soon after, a church was built on the site where our Lady appeared, and thousands converted to Christianity. Our Lady of Guadalupe was declared the patroness of the Americas.

He died on May 30, 1548, at the age of 74.

Juan Diego deeply loved the Holy Eucharist, and by special permission of the Bishop he received Holy Communion three times a week, a highly unusual occurrence in those times.

Pope John Paul II praised Juan Diego for his simple faith nourished by catechesis and pictured him (who said to the Blessed Virgin Mary: "I am a nobody, I am a small rope, a tiny ladder, the tail end, a leaf") as a model of humility for all of us.

In His Footsteps:

Juan walked fifteen miles to attend Mass every day. Participate in Mass one day this week that is not a Sunday Mass. If this is impossible, take a long walk outside and notice the miracles of God's love during that walk. You may not see roses in the snow or hear music, but there is plenty to praise God for!

Prayer: Blessed Juan, you faced the skepticism and rejection of a bishop and the crowds to bring Mary's message to Mexico. Pray for us that when we are faced with obstacles to our faith we may show that same courage and commitment. Amen

 

 

FORMATION

Pope John Paul II - Homily During Juan Diego's Canonization - 31 July 2002

1. I thank you, Father ... that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was your gracious will" (Mt 11:25-26).

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

These words of Jesus in today's Gospel are a special invitation to us to praise and thank God for the gift of the first indigenous Saint of the American Continent.

With deep joy I have come on pilgrimage to this Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Marian heart of Mexico and of America, to proclaim the holiness of Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, the simple, humble Indian who contemplated the sweet and serene face of Our Lady of Tepeyac, so dear to the people of Mexico.

2. I am grateful for the kind words of Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, Archbishop of Mexico City, and for the warm hospitality of the people of this Primatial Archdiocese: my cordial greeting goes to everyone. I also greet with affection Cardinal Ernesto Corripio Ahumada, Archbishop Emeritus of Mexico City, and the other Cardinals, as well as the Bishops of Mexico, of America, of the Philippines and of other places in the world. I am likewise particularly grateful to the President and the civil Authorities for their presence at this celebration.

Today I address a very affectionate greeting to the many indigenous people who have come from the different regions of the country, representing the various ethnic groups and cultures which make up the rich, multifaceted Mexican reality. The Pope expresses his closeness to them, his deep respect and admiration, and receives them fraternally in the Lord's name.

3. What was Juan Diego like? Why did God look upon him? The Book of Sirach, as we have heard, teaches us that God alone "is mighty; he is glorified by the humble" (cf. Sir 3:20). Saint Paul's words, also proclaimed at this celebration, shed light on the divine way of bringing about salvation: "God chose what is low and despised in the world ... so that no human being might boast in the presence of God" (1 Cor 1:28,29).

It is moving to read the accounts of Guadalupe, sensitively written and steeped in tenderness. In them the Virgin Mary, the handmaid "who glorified the Lord" (Lk 1:46), reveals herself to Juan Diego as the Mother of the true God. As a sign, she gives him precious roses, and as he shows them to the Bishop, he discovers the blessed image of Our Lady imprinted on his tilma.

"The Guadalupe Event," as the Mexican Episcopate has pointed out, "meant the beginning of evangelization with a vitality that surpassed all expectations. Christ's message, through his Mother, took up the central elements of the indigenous culture, purified them and gave them the definitive sense of salvation" (14 May 2002, No. 8). Consequently Guadalupe and Juan Diego have a deep ecclesial and missionary meaning and are a model of perfectly inculturated evangelization.

4. "The Lord looks down from heaven, he sees all the sons of men" (Ps 33:13), we recited with the Psalmist, once again confessing our faith in God, who makes no distinctions of race or culture. In accepting the Christian message without forgoing his indigenous identity, Juan Diego discovered the profound truth of the new humanity, in which all are called to be children of God. Thus he facilitated the fruitful meeting of two worlds and became the catalyst for the new Mexican identity, closely united to Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose mestizo face expresses her spiritual motherhood which embraces all Mexicans. This is why the witness of his life must continue to be the inspiration for the building up of the Mexican nation, encouraging brotherhood among all its children and ever helping to reconcile Mexico with its origins, values, and traditions.

The noble task of building a better Mexico, with greater justice and solidarity, demands the cooperation of all. In particular, it is necessary today to support the indigenous peoples in their legitimate aspirations, respecting and defending the authentic values of each ethnic group. Mexico needs its indigenous peoples and these peoples need Mexico!

Beloved bothers and sisters of every ethnic background of Mexico and America, today, in praising the Indian Juan Diego, I want to express to all of you the closeness of the Church and the Pope, embracing you with love and encouraging you to overcome with hope the difficult times you are going through.

5. At this decisive moment in Mexico's history, having already crossed the threshold of the new millennium, I entrust to the powerful intercession of Saint Juan Diego the joys and hopes, the fears and anxieties of the beloved Mexican people, whom I carry in my heart.

Blessed Juan Diego, a good, Christian Indian, whom simple people have always considered a saint! We ask you to accompany the Church on her pilgrimage in Mexico, so that she may be more evangelizing and more missionary each day. Encourage the Bishops, support the priests, inspire new and holy vocations, help all those who give their lives to the cause of Christ and the spread of his Kingdom.

Happy Juan Diego, true and faithful man! We entrust to you our lay brothers and sisters so that, feeling the call to holiness, they may imbue every area of social life with the spirit of the Gospel. Bless families, strengthen spouses in their marriage, sustain the efforts of parents to give their children a Christian upbringing. Look with favor upon the pain of those who are suffering in body or in spirit, on those afflicted by poverty, loneliness, marginalization, or ignorance. May all people, civic leaders and ordinary citizens, always act in accordance with the demands of justice and with respect for the dignity of each person, so that in this way peace may be reinforced.

Beloved Juan Diego, "the talking eagle"! Show us the way that leads to the "Dark Virgin" of Tepeyac, that she may receive us in the depths of her heart, for she is the loving, compassionate Mother who guides us to the true God. Amen.

 

Information, Formation, Transformation

Juan Diego and Mary, reflection by Msgr. Andrew Vaccari

We need the Holy Spirit and we need the presence of Our Lady who trusts in God.  We need the Spirit to inspire the laity also to speak out in defense of respect for human life.  Tomorrow in the canonization of Juan Diego, the world’s attention will again be turned to the “Patroness of the Unborn” as Our Lady of Guadalupe is known.  Our Church must speak on behalf of the unborn, and the laity must speak on behalf of the unborn.  The hierarchy must speak, too, but in these days the hierarchy has suffered a great loss of credibility, and it will take time to restore it.  The unborn don’t have time.  Time was up for many 29 years ago when Roe vs. Wade issued its death sentence.  So many lay Catholics have been leaders in the pro-life movement.  They have looked to the hierarchy, rightfully so, for leadership and the hierarchy has given it and will continue to give it.  I wonder now if its voice will be heard as well, though, if it will be received as well.  They will continue to champion the cause of the unborn, but now more than ever the Church needs to be reunited and strengthened in the Spirit.  The culture of death has won many victories.  It seems that the opinions of Catholics aren’t much different from non-Catholics’.  “Termination of pregnancy,” the euphemism used for abortion, has won the day in popular society. There have been some victories and some progress, but we still have a long way to go.

 

Mary, who was with the Apostles as the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Church, continues to be with us today.  She continues to guide and inspire us to speak out bravely on the issues that defend life.  She reminds us that we have to be with the needy, the hungry, the weak, and the outcast.  She is a woman of trust.  She reminds us to keep faith even when it seems that we can’t do what we’d like to do.  We continue to go forward and to struggle. 

 

At the Annunciation, at Cana, at Calvary, at Pentecost Our Lady leads us, guides us and teaches us to be people of trust.  She teaches us to put our faith in God Who can do more than we can imagine.  As St. Bernard said, “Mary is that resplendent and radiant star placed as a necessary beacon above life’s great and spacious sea.  With her for a guide, you shall never go astray.  While invoking her, you shall never lose heart.  As long as she is in your mind, you are free from deception. While she holds your hand, you cannot fail.  Under her protection, you have nothing to fear.  If she walks before you, you shall not grow weary.  If she shows you favor, you shall reach the goal.”   

 

 

        

 

Juan Diego and Mary, reflection by Msgr. Andrew Vaccari

Virtual Pilgrimage - send us your reflections!

PRO SANCTITY VIRTUAL RETREAT/PILGRIMAGE
to the Shrine of OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
MEXICO CITY

August 14 – August 18, 2009

Special Retreat/Pilgrimage for Pro Sanctity Members (and friends) in memory of the 15th Anniversary of our Founder and to entrust once again the Pro Sanctity Movement to our Blessed Mother!
Led by Msgr. Andrew Vaccari, National Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Carl Zoucha, Sodalis
and Teresa Monaghen, National Director of the Pro Sanctity Movement

Pilgrimage/Retreat include:
Try to attend Daily Mass/Daily Spiritual Conference (via blog, personal reflection, meditations of the rosary...)/Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament
Take advantage of an opportunity for Confession

Sites we will virtually visit:
1. The apparitions to Blessed Juan Diego in 1531
2. Tepeyac Hill
3. Excursion to Aztec Pyramids
4. Shrine of the Jesuit Martyr Blessed Miguel Pro


Prepare for

DAY ONE
Our Lady of Guadalupe

A dialogue of love and election….

Our Lady’s tender conversation with Juan Diego, is what motivated him to drop everything and follow her totally unreasonable commands!
1. In this reflection we would like to ponder how Mary has her way with us just as she did with her Son Jesus (Cana).
2. How does the virgin de Guadalupe shape us, mother us, bring us up like her Son Jesus? She formed him in his humanity, and she will form us.
3. This Reflection will ponder her way and assist us to respond to her more fully.

Virtual Pilgrimage - send us your reflections!

Pilgrims! Please come and tell others...

 

 Pilgrimage to Guadalupe – August 14-18, 2009 had to cancel but that does not mean we can’t go or celebrate…we will go via prayer and the blog! 

 

INVITATION: Monsignor Andrew Vaccari from BROOKLYN just let us know that he is coming into Elkhorn, NE to the Pro Sanctity Retreat Center. We are going to have a little gathering to celebrate our Lady of Guadalupe and in honor of the Assumption on Sunday, August 16^th, 2009

 

Sunday, August 16^th  will be a time of prayer, a talk by Msgr. Andrew Vaccari and picnic dinner. Everyone is welcome, 5:00-9:00 pm Retreat Center in Elkhorn. 11002 North 204th Street psm@prosanctity.org

 

Let us know if you can come... if you would like to bring something for the potluck, that would be great too!

11002 N. 204th St. Elkhorn, NE 68022

 psm@prosanctity.org or 402-289-2670

 

 

Check out our Virtual Pilgrimage to Guadalupe

…starting August 14, 2009 - on the Blog!

BLOG: http://prosanctity.blogspot.com/

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY....Pope Benedict XVI

May the Virgin Mary — proclaimed Mater Ecclesiae by Paul VI and honored by Christians as Speculum Iustitiae and Regina Pacis — protect us and obtain for us, through her heavenly intercession, the strength, hope and joy necessary to continue to dedicate ourselves with generosity to the task of bringing about the “development of the whole man and of all men”

 

Pilgrims! Please come and tell others...