Day 4
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
The Message of the Sacred Image
When the native peoples saw the admirable image you left on St. Juan Diego's mantle, they recognized it as a picture writing that contained a heavenly message directed to them. Your regal figure in human form taught them that you had once dwelt on earth. The rays of the sun, the clouds surrounding your body, the stars on your mantle, the crescent moon under your feet, and the angel who supports you all point to your present home in Heaven and call attention to the immortality of the human soul.
O Holy Mary, as your image on St. Juan Diego's garment taught the native peoples, let it also teach me never to forget the immortality of my soul and that Heaven is my goal and inheritance. Amid the temptations and miseries of this life, let me always think of that home of peace, glory, and eternal joy.
Pray four Hail Marys in remembrance of the four apparitions to St. Juan Diego.
Hail Mary × 4
Remember, O most gracious Virgin of Guadalupe, that in your heavenly apparitions on the hill of Tepeyac, you promised to show your compassion and pity toward all who, loving and trusting you, seek your help and call upon you in their necessities and afflictions. You promised to hear our supplications, to dry our tears, and to give us consolation and relief. Never has it been known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, either for the common welfare or in personal anxieties, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, we run to you, O Mary, ever-Virgin Mother of the true God. Though grieving under the weight of our sins, we come to prostrate ourselves before your presence, certain that you will fulfill your merciful promises. We fully trust that, standing beneath your shadow and protection, nothing will trouble or afflict us, nor do we need to fear illness, misfortune, or any other sorrow.
You wanted to remain with us through your admirable image, you who are our Mother, our health, and our life. Placing ourselves beneath your maternal gaze and having recourse to you in all our necessities, we need do nothing more.
O Holy Mother of God, despise not our petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer us. Amen.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
