December 2, 2014 WBB Feast Days & Holidays, WBB Primary, REL Seasons - Feast Days/Holidays, REL Asset - Activity, REL Catechetical - K–6, REL Topic - Catechesis, REL Topic- Saints
By: Allie Johnston
On December 9, the Church celebrates the Feast Day of Saint Juan Diego. Download a primary activity to share with children on the Feast Day of Saint Juan Diego.
During his life, Juan Diego wanted to learn more about his faith. Twice a week, he and his wife walked fourteen miles to Mass and religious instruction. When he traveled, Juan Diego often wore a tilma, a rough cloak made from cloth of woven cactus fibers. The cloak protected him against the cold evenings and early mornings. On December 9, 1531, Juan Diego was on his way to church when he saw a beautiful woman. She was dressed as an Aztec noblewoman. She called him by name and spoke in his own language. The woman told him she was Mary, Mother of Christ, and that she had a special task for him. He was to tell the bishop that she wanted a shrine to be built in that very spot. She wanted to show her “love, compassion, help, and protection” for all the people.
Juan Diego thought that the bishop would doubt such a request from a poor man like him, but he did as the Lady asked. The bishop did not believe Juan Diego at first. The bishop asked for a sign from the Lady that she was Mary, the Mother of God. In response to the bishop’s request, the Lady had Juan Diego fill his tilma with roses. Since it was December, it was amazing that these roses were blooming! So Juan Diego presented the roses to the bishop. There, imprinted on the tilma, was a picture of Mary as she had last appeared.
A small chapel was quickly built on the hill where Mary had appeared. The church was dedicated to Mary. Juan Diego lived in a small house nearby for the rest of his life. He cared for the church and those who visited it. He continued to share the story of Mary’s great sign of her love for the people of Mexico and all people.