Guadalupe - Again!

It’s been quite a long time since I last blogged. I guess I got “blogged” down by things here! Sorry...
Anyway, I’ll try and update the blog with a few things that have happened in the last while.

The approach to the Basilica by way of a mall.

Meanwhile here’s a few more photos of the Basilica de Guadalupe – we, Marist Fathers, have had a couple of visits to celebrate Mass. Both times, it was one of the scheduled Masses. The idea was on both occasions to celebrate together. Afterwards we had a meal together in one of the nearby communities. Great occasions!

The modern Basilica

Detail of the doors of the Basilica

Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament

In the Sacristry (entry is carefully controlled) 

with Mexican Marist Seminarian, Jaime.

During Mass 

(photography in the sanctuary is strictly prohibited!)

A Selfie (with Our Lady of Guadalupe!)

The image that miraculously appeared on Juan Diego's clock - seen from the moving belt underneath the sanctuary

The hill of Tepeyac - site of Mary's original apparition to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin in 1531

The old basilica alongside the new basilica. Yes, the old basilica is leaning. The continued pumping of subterranean water has dried the ground on which it was built and caused it to lean. It has been stabilised! In the distance is the clock tower.

Pope St Juan Pablo II - a statue made with donations of keys from ordinary Mexicans. John Paul II visited Guadalupe four times.

The "veladoras" - a place outside the basilica where people can light their devotional candles - there are thousands!

With Fr. Juan Carlos, Mexican Marist Formador (in front of the old basilica)

Con Marco - future marist? In front of the new basilica.

The inscription reads "Am I not here, who am your mother?" Words of Mary to Juan Diego.

The after match function with Marist Fathers, seminarians and candidates - we had paella!

“Oye y ten entendido, hijo mío el más pequeño, que es nada lo que te asusta y aflige. No se turbe tu corazón, no temas esa ni ninguna otra enfermedad o angustia. ¿Acaso no estoy aquí yo, que soy tu madre? ¿No estás bajo mi sombra? ¿No soy tu salud? ¿No estás por ventura en mi regazo?… ”

Santa María de Guadalupe a San Juan Diego, 12 de Diciembre de 1531 

Listen and understand, my smallest son, this is nothing that scares or hurts you. Let your heart not be unsettled, don't be frightened of this, or of any other illness or worry. Am I not here, who am your mother? Are you not under my protection (in my shadow)? Am I not your wellbeing? Are you not for fortune under my gaze?..."

Saint Mary of Guadalupe to St John Diego, 12 de Diciembre de 1531.