(ZENIT News / Rome, 12.12.2024).- On the evening of December 12, Pope Francis took part in the Holy Mass, held in Saint Peter’s Basilica, on the occasion of the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
With a picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe next to the main altar, the Holy Father began the homily saying: “Looking at Mary’s image, Mary of Guadalupe pregnant, who announces the birth of the Saviour as Mother, with what tenderness she says to the Indian: “Do not be afraid. Am I not here who am your Mother?” (Nican Mopohua, 118-119). Here, Mary’s maternity is revealed. And regarding this mystery of Guadalupe, which sadly many ideologies redirect to take ideological advantage, there comes to mind three simple things, which they do to the message: the tilma, the Mother and the rose, very simple things.”
Then, referring to the Virgin’s maternity, he said: “Mary’s maternity is engraved in that simple tilma. Mary’s maternity is shown with the beauty of the roses that the Indian finds and carries; and Mary’s maternity does the miracle of taking the faith to hearts, somewhat incredulous, of the Prelates.”
Referring to the maguey fibre cloth and the flowers, the Pontiff continued: “The tilma, the rose and the Indian: all that is said beyond this of the Guadalupan mystery is a lie, it’s to want to use it for ideologies. The Guadalupan mystery is to be venerated and to be heard in our ears. “Am I not here who am your Mother?” And that must be heard at all moments of life: the different difficult moments of life, the joyful moments of life, the daily moments of life. “Do not be afraid. Am I not here who am your Mother?” And this is the Guadalupan message, the rest are ideologies.”
Finally, the Pope said: “We go with Our Lady’s image on the Indian’s tilma, and, listening as in a ditty, which with a repetitive voice says to us: “Do not be afraid. Am I not here who am your Mother?” “So be it.”
