by Fr. Jim Whalen, National Director, Priests for Life Canada
1996, Issue 1 (Fall)
What is the significance of this sacred image? Why does our Lady of Guadalupe wish her sacred image to be perpetuated among the people of the western hemisphere today? Why is she being recognized and accepted more and more as our pro-life patroness? Pope Pius XII believed it was for our protection and safety. The increase in the intensity of satan's attack on Our Lady and her children was announced at Fatima in 1917. Our Lady's role in defeating and crushing satan's head was foretold in scripture, and prophesied at Fatima: "In the end my Immaculate Heart will triumph". Pope Paul VI warned us in 1972 of the signs: "obscure domination, doctrinal errors, devil worship, and the occult."
In his book, "The Wonder of Guadalupe", Francis Johnston writes: "There is a striking parallel between our own age and that of the Aztec civilization immediately before the apparitions of 1531. Now as then, societies dominated by godlessness, pagan excesses and immorality, countless innocents today are sacrificed alive on the altars of abortion. False deities abound everywhere. Aztec polygamy and depravity are more than matched by today's universal moral collapse. A decisive collision seems inevitable and imminent, as it was in 1531."
As in 1531, today in 1996, only a small minority of clerics and followers are persevering in prayer, fasting and personal sacrifice. We must strive to multiply these few and appeal to her for help in the rosary as they did in the past. Our Lady of Guadalupe's pledge gives us hope. "I am your Merciful Mother, the mother of all who live united in this land, and of all mankind, of all those who have confidence in me. Here I will hear their weeping and their sorrows, and will remedy and alleviate their sufferings, necessities and misfortunes...Do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your Fountain of Life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle? In the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else you need?" (words spoken to Juan Diego at Guadalupe, 1531). +