December 9
St John Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
Wednesday, week 2 of Advent
St John Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin is honored in the Church as the humble indigenous man to whom the Blessed Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared in 1531 on the hill of Tepeyac, near present-day Mexico City. These apparitions became known as Our Lady of Guadalupe and had a profound impact on the evangelization of the Americas, bringing together native and Spanish cultures under the mantle of Mary. Born in the late 15th century, Juan Diego’s life is sparsely documented, but tradition portrays him as a pious Christian convert who responded with faith and humility to Mary’s requests. Through his witness and the miraculous image left on his tilma, a garment still venerated today, millions came to embrace the Gospel. The Church keeps this optional memorial to recognize the important role indigenous people have played in salvation history and to celebrate faith that is humble, available, and transformative. St John Diego stands as a bridge between cultures and a disciple who listened attentively to God's call.
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The liturgical day
Mass readings
ReadingIs 40, 25-31
To whom could you compare me,
who could be my equal?
— says the Holy God.
Lift up your eyes and look:
who created all this?
The one who unfolds the whole host of stars,
and calls each one by name.
So great is his strength, and such is his power,
that not a single one is missing.
Jacob, why do you say,
Israel, why do you claim:
"My way is hidden from the Lord,
my right escapes my God"?
Do you not know, have you not heard?
The Lord is the eternal God,
he creates to the ends of the earth,
he never grows tired or weary.
His understanding is unfathomable.
He gives strength to the weary man,
he increases the vigor of the weak.
Young boys grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall,
but those who put their hope in the Lord
find fresh strength;
they spread their wings like eagles,
they run and never grow weary,
they walk and never tire.
– The word of the Lord.
Psalm102 (103), 1-2, 3-4, 8.10
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
bless his holy name, all that is within me!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
do not forget any of his benefits!
For he forgives all your offenses
and heals all your diseases;
he rescues your life from the grave
and crowns you with love and tenderness;
The Lord is tenderness and compassion,
slow to anger and full of love;
he does not treat us according to our faults,
nor repay us according to our offenses.
GospelMt 11, 28-30
At that time, Jesus spoke:
"Come to me,
all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you,
become my disciples,
for I am gentle and humble of heart,
and you will find rest for your soul.
Yes, my yoke is easy to bear,
and my burden is light."
– Let us acclaim the Word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org