Virgin Mary of Guadalupe Silk Screen Icon Freestanding – Gold & Engraved Wood

Description

Also referred to as Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe is the Patron Saint of Mexico and the Americas. On December 9, 1531, the Virgin Mary first appeared to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill (on the outskirts of present day Mexico City) requesting that a church be built for her in that spot. Following this, Juan Diego sought out the bishop to inform him of the Virgin Mary’s request; however, the bishop refused to begin construction unless the Virgin Mary provided a sign. Three days later on December 12, the Virgin Mary once again appeared to Juan Diego and instructed him to collect roses. Juan did so and during his second meeting with the bishop he let the roses fall to the floor from his cloak. Hidden behind the roses on his cloak was the image of the Virgin Mary with her hands folded in prayer.

The Virgin Mary of Guadalupe is shown wearing a blue cloak with stars representing the night sky on the night of her first appearance to Juan Diego. She is standing above a large crescent moon, which was a symbol of the Aztec religion, signifying that she is greater than the old Aztec gods. Notably, Juan Diego was an Aztec man who converted to Christianity.  Today, the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe is venerated in the Basilica of Guadalupe.