Why is the Virgin of Guadalupe celebrated on December 12?

• Virgin of Guadalupe celebration on December 12.
• Her apparition appeared to Juan Diego in 1531.
• Masses and the Blessing of Roses.

We are just hours away from the celebrations in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, simply known as the Virgin of Guadalupe.

In many cities in Mexico, colorful pilgrimages of faith and devotion have been taking place for weeks.

To this day, many people wonder why the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated every December 12.

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The Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego

According to Mexico Desconocido, popular tradition says the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego four times.

The fourth occasion occurred on December 12, 1531, a day that fell on a Tuesday, as it will in 2023.

The indigenous man was looking for help for his sick uncle, but when he encountered the Virgin she told him his uncle was healed.

Afterward, she asked Juan Diego to climb the Tepeyac hill, where there were roses, and then take them to Fray Juan de Zumárraga.

When was the first official Virgin of Guadalupe celebration?

After confirming that the fourth appearance of the Virgin of Guadalupe was a miracle on December 12, 1531, there were some ‘consequences.’

It is said that the first official celebration took place in 1667, more than 130 years later, thanks to the intervention of Pope Clement IX.

The Supreme Pontiff decreed that December 12 would be the Feast Day in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

In 1824, the Congress of the Union of Mexico declared this day a National Holiday.

It’s also celebrated in the United States

According to Mexico Desconocido, there was a noteworthy event in 1988.

The liturgical celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe was elevated to the rank of Feast in all dioceses of the United States.

Approximately two million pilgrims celebrate The Patroness of Mexico in La Villa.

Starting the day before, on December 11, serenades are held, and various tributes are made until midnight. Then, the ‘Las Mañanitas’ are sung.

The Blessing of the Roses

In honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a series of masses are held every December 12 throughout the day.

The most important is the one dedicated to the Celebration and Blessing of the Roses, which takes place at noon.

According to infobae, this year Carlos Aguiar Retes, the Archbishop of Mexico City, will lead the ceremony.

In this celebration, the roses of those who attend mass are blessed, from parishioners and auxiliary bishops to members of the Episcopal Council.

Prayer for the Blessing of the Roses

According to infobae, the Blessing of the Roses is not only celebrated on December 12 but also on October 12.

On this date, indigenous and European cultures coincide to celebrate the anniversary of the Pontifical Coronation of the image of Santa María de Guadalupe in 1895.

There was also the consecration of the New Basilica of Guadalupe and the transfer of the sacred image in 1976.

There is a special prayer that should be said on this day dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe.