December 13, 2004

People often ask us why we chose Our Lady of Guadalupe as the patroness of our Community. There are many converging reasons; here are a few:

She is known as the "Queen of the Americas" and our community obviously began on American soil. In fact, when I was over in England, one woman who came to a celebration we had on this feast day asked us why she should honor an "American Mary!" (As if Our Lady were competing with herself!)

She was first given the title "The Star of Evangelization" at her shrine in Mexico by Pope John Paul II. In fact, the Holy Father's first trip outside of Italy as pope was to this shrine. Within 10 years after this apparition in 1531, approximately 8 million Aztecs converted to the Catholic faith. Since evangelization is one of the main works of our community, we often invoke her help under this title.

The other main part of our work is service to the poor. Our Lady's features in this image remind us of many of the people we serve in our neighborhoods. Also, we realize the poorest of the poor, who have no voice in society, are the children in the womb whose lives are threatened. The native Mexicans knew that Our Lady was with child in this image because of the black sash tied around her waist. More significantly, the sacrificing of their children to the Aztec gods ceased after her apparition since they realized that she was more powerful than their false gods. Thanks be to God we have seen Our Lady of Guadalupe's powerful intercession at the abortion sites helping women to choose life instead of death for their children.

Perhaps less well known is the fact that Bishop Zumarraga, before whom her image appeared on St. Juan Diego's cloak, was a Franciscan of the Observant reform. Most of the priests of that mission diocese of Mexico were Franciscans, and it was they who baptized the many converts she won to the faith. So we, as Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Renewal, desire to continue working with her, the "Star of Evangelization" for the renewal of our culture.

Besides, how can you top an image that came directly from heaven?

Fr. Richard Roemer, CFR
Community Vicar, residing at St. Joseph Friary in Harlem, New York
________________________________________________________________________________

Go To Page 2

FastCounter by bCentral