Through Light of Faith: Miraculous Journey of
San Juan Diego
and Our Lady of Guadalupe
by Kevin Pawlowski, Paradise Found Studio
Born in 1474 in the calpulli (small rural village) of Tlayacac, part of the ancient city of Tenochtitlán, Juan Diego was originally named Cuauhtlatoatzin, meaning "Talking Eagle."
He belonged to the Chichimeca people, a semi-nomadic indigenous group. Though little is known about his early family life, historical accounts suggest that he grew up in a close-knit community deeply rooted in the customs and beliefs of the indigenous Nahua culture. His early years were spent following the traditions of his ancestors, likely learning agricultural practices, hunting, and the spiritual beliefs of his people.
Juan Diego was married to a woman named Maria Lucia, and they lived a modest life as farmers. They did not have children, but their life together was filled with devotion to one another and to their work. He was baptized into the faith along with his wife around 1524, among the first indigenous Mexicans to convert to Christianity after the arrival of Spanish missionaries.
Tragedy struck when his wife passed away, leaving Juan Diego with a deep spiritual hunger. Despite the sorrow, Juan Diego turned to his newfound Christian faith for solace, regularly traveling long distances to attend Mass and deepen his knowledge of Catholic teachings.
Saint Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadelupe oil painting portrait by Kevin Pawlowski
The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe
In December 1531, while making his way to morning Mass, Juan Diego experienced an encounter that would change his life and the course of Mexican history.
On the morning of December 9, as Juan Diego passed Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City, he heard beautiful music and saw a radiant vision of a young woman surrounded by light. Speaking in his native Nahuatl, the woman identified herself as the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, and instructed him to go to the local bishop, Juan de Zumárraga, and ask that a church be built on the hill in her honor.
Juan Diego, humble and unsure of his worthiness, nonetheless obeyed the Virgin’s request and sought an audience with the bishop. However, the bishop was skeptical of Juan Diego's story and asked for a sign to prove that the apparition was indeed from the Virgin Mary. Disheartened but determined, Juan Diego returned to Tepeyac Hill to inform the Virgin of the bishop’s request. She assured him that she would provide the sign he needed.
On December 12, Juan Diego was delayed on his way to meet the Virgin due to a family emergency. His uncle, Juan Bernardino, had fallen gravely ill, and Juan Diego hurried to find a priest to administer the last rites. In his distress, he tried to avoid the Virgin by taking a different route, but she appeared to him nonetheless. The Virgin reassured Juan Diego, telling him, "Am I not here, I who am your mother? Are you not under my protection?" She promised him that his uncle would recover and directed him to go to the top of the hill to gather flowers as the sign for the bishop.
Though it was winter and flowers were not expected to grow, Juan Diego found the hill covered with fragrant Castilian roses. He gathered them in his tilma (cloak) and brought them to the bishop. When he opened his cloak before the bishop, the roses spilled out, and an even greater miracle was revealed—the image of the Virgin Mary, now known as Our Lady of Guadalupe, was miraculously imprinted on the fabric of the tilma.
The bishop was awestruck and immediately recognized the divine nature of the apparition. He ordered the construction of a church on Tepeyac Hill, and the tilma was enshrined there as a sacred relic. True to the Virgin’s word, Juan Diego’s uncle also recovered from his illness and later testified that he, too, had been visited by the Virgin Mary, who had told him that she desired to be known as "Guadalupe."
The image of Our Lady of Guadelupe as it currently appears on the Tilma on display in Mexico City.
Juan Diego’s Later Life and Devotion
Following the apparitions, Juan Diego dedicated his life to spreading the message of Our Lady.
He lived near the chapel built on Tepeyac Hill, serving as its caretaker and sharing the miraculous story with pilgrims who visited. Despite his growing renown, Juan Diego remained humble and modest, focused solely on his mission of sharing the love and compassion of the Virgin Mary with the Mexican people.
In his later years, Juan Diego was described as weathered and worn, the signs of a life dedicated to service evident on his face and body. His faith remained steadfast, and he was always seen wearing his humble tilma, a reminder of the miracle that had changed his life. He passed away in 1548 at the age of 74.
Impact of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Mexico & Catholicism
The appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe had a profound and lasting impact on Mexico and the Catholic faith.
At a time when indigenous peoples were struggling under Spanish rule, the Virgin Mary appeared as one of them—dark-skinned, dressed in native garments, and speaking in their language. This connection with the indigenous population brought about a massive wave of conversions to Catholicism. Within the next few years, millions of indigenous people embraced the Christian faith, making it the dominant religion in Mexico.
For the Mexican people, Our Lady of Guadalupe became not only a religious figure but a powerful symbol of cultural identity, unity, and hope. She is still venerated as the patroness of Mexico and Latin America, and her image is deeply woven into the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of the region.
The tilma of Juan Diego, despite being made from rough, perishable fibers, remains intact to this day. Scientific studies have been conducted to understand the preservation of the cloth, and its resilience remains a mystery. The tilma has withstood centuries, including the effects of time, humidity, and even an attempted bombing in the early 20th century. It hangs in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where millions of pilgrims visit each year to see the sacred image that has transcended centuries.
San Juan Diego by Miguel
Symbolism in My Portrait of Juan Diego
My painting of Juan Diego captures him around the time of the apparitions, with his face carved with wisdom, serenity, and acceptance.
His weathered face reflects his journey of faith, and the thin halo surrounding his head is a nod to his sanctity, recognized only after a lifetime of service. Juan Diego’s modest attire, with the tilma draped over his shoulders and prayer beads around his neck, highlights his humility, a defining trait of his character.
Behind him, a round stained glass window features the iconic image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with light shining through it. This light represents the divine presence that guided Juan Diego throughout his life. The roses, tangled around the image of Our Lady, symbolize the miraculous roses he gathered from Tepeyac Hill, as well as the enduring message of hope and love that continues to bloom from this miraculous event.
Underpainting
Face, shirt & background
Tilma & start of window
Completed painting
The legacy of San Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe is an enduring testament to faith, humility, and the power of divine intervention. Juan Diego’s life story, from his humble beginnings to his role as the chosen messenger of Our Lady, continues to inspire millions. The tilma he carried still bears witness to a miracle that reshaped the spiritual landscape of Mexico and the world.
Today, both the saint and the Virgin of Guadalupe remain cherished symbols of Mexican faith, culture, and resilience.
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