December 31, 1937

"Miracle Church"

"Built by command of the Virgin - Say Indians"

"The Shrine of Guadalupe - Most famous church in all Mexico is located about three miles our of Mexico City in the little town of Villa Madero. It is fabulously decorated inside with gold, silver, and precious objects, and is one point of interest no visitor should miss.

The story says that on this spot in 1531 the Virgin appeared to an Indian of low birth and commanded a church be built here to her honor. The Indian, later christened Juan Diego, went to the bishop, told his story but was not believed. He returned to the spot and the virgin again appeared telling him to wrap a bunch of beautiful roses - which miraculously appeared growing among the rocks - in his mantle and take to the disbelieving priest as a sign. When Juan unfolded his mantle before the bishop behold the roses were gone and a full figure of the Virgin was imprinted on the Mantle!

The original mantle now forms the church altar, encased in a great frame of gold and thick glass. Indians and natives alike swarm from all parts of Mexico to pray before the miracle object. The morning we were there an old Indian couple walked the full length of the long church on their knees waving lighted candles before them in supplication.

Many miracles are attributed to the Virgin at this spot by the superstitious natives. Whether you believe or not means nothing as you watch with quiet awe the abject devotion of the ignorant humanity before you."

S.C. Richardson