In 1531, Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego as Our Lady of Guadalupe. In the image imprinted on his tilma, Our Lady wears a black band around her waste, showing herself to be with child. For nine months, the Christ child grew in the protective womb of Our Lady.
To the pagan nation of Mexico, Mary revealed herself in this way—as a protected mother—the mother of Christ and their mother as well. Mary would help them break the bond of a false religion which involved the abominable practice of human sacrifice.
The Collect prayer this morning for Our Lady of Guadalupe speaks of how God placed his people under the singular protection of the Son’s most holy Mother.
The Vatican II Constitution on the Church, speaks of the ancient devotion to Mary’s protection: “Clearly from earliest times the Blessed Virgin is honored under the title of Mother of God, under whose protection the faithful took refuge in all their dangers and necessities.”
I remember reading an article a few years ago, I remember reading a report of seven Iraqi Catholic women who claimed Mary protected them from ISIS terrorists. When ISIS soldiers stormed their shelter, they prayed to Our Lady as they hid under beds which were being used by the soldiers. They said, “When ISIS entered our room, they didn’t see us, we feel that the Virgin Mary closed their eyes from seeing us.”
Sometimes it seems that the powers of evil which surround us and conspire against the Church are so cunning and pervasive. Yet, God has not left us unprotected. He has given us such a powerful advocate and protector in Our Lady.
She who was guarded from sin from the moment of her Immaculate Conception throughout her whole life guards her sons and daughters from sin and evil as well. The theologian Richard of St. Lawrence writes: “Mary protects us under the mantle of Her humility.”
Holy Father Pope Francis even wrote a prayer for seeking Our Lady’s protection: he wrote, “We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen."
And of course, the Memorare written by St. Bernard implores Our Lady’s protection, praying “REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided.”
In our Christian mission of serving God in this fallen world, we can attract the attention of some very malicious evil spirits, not to mention those who have made themselves enemies of the Gospel. Attacks from the powers and principalities allied with evil are inevitable, and so seeking Our Lady’s protection is vital.
May we place ourselves under the protection and guidance of Our Lady of Gaudalupe, who helps us in remaining faithful to her Son in all things, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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We bring our prayers to God through Mary.
That Our Lady may protect the Church from all evil, and aid us in the mission of the Gospel.
That all government leaders may be awakened to the supreme dignity of each human life, and that all peoples will work together for an end to child sacrifice and violations of innocent life, and for the legal protection of the unborn.
For all refugees forced to flee from their homes, that God bring peace to them and their country of origin.
That the sick may draw strength, consolation, and healing by turning to Our Lady, who intercedes for us from her place in heaven.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
We pray, O Lord our God, that the Virgin Mary, who merited to bear God and man in her chaste womb, may commend the prayers of your faithful in your sight. Through Christ our Lord.
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