St. Juan Diego

St. San Juan Diego lived in Mexico a long time ago. He was a gentle and humble man who loved God deeply. Juan Diego lived a simple life, working hard and walking many miles each day to pray and care for his family. Even though he was poor and quiet, his heart was full of faith.

One morning, while walking near a hill called Tepeyac, Juan Diego heard someone calling his name. When he looked up, he saw the Virgin Mary. She spoke to him with kindness and love, calling him her “little one,” and asked him to share a message with the bishop. She wanted a church built on that hill so people could remember God’s love.

Juan Diego was nervous, but he trusted Mary and did what she asked. When he went to tell the bishop, the bishop did not believe him. Instead of becoming angry or giving up, Juan Diego stayed patient and respectful. He returned to Mary and told her what had happened.

Mary asked Juan Diego to return again and promised to give him a sign. Even when Juan Diego was worried about his sick uncle, Mary comforted him and reminded him that God was caring for his family. She told him to gather flowers from the hill and carry them in his tilma, or cloak.

Juan Diego found beautiful roses blooming on the rocky hill, even though it was not the season for flowers. He carefully gathered them and carried them to the bishop. When he opened his tilma, the roses fell to the ground, and an image of Mary appeared on the cloth. At last, the bishop understood that Juan Diego had spoken the truth.

St. San Juan Diego teaches us that God speaks through kindness, humility, and trust. His life reminds us that even when we feel small or unheard, God sees us and chooses us. When we listen with love and stay faithful, God can do something wonderful through our lives.