The Secrets of Her Image

Guadalupan codex
The marvelous image of Holy Mary of Guadalupe is captured on Juan diego’s humble tilma made of fibers from the izótl plant. It offers the true message of God’s love for indigenous peoples and for people of all cultures, reflecting the theological imagery found in the book of revelation: “a great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet. … she was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth” (rev 12: 1-2). It also recalls these words: “I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them [as their God]. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.’ ” (rev 21: 2-4).

St. John Paul II described our lady of Guadalupe as the perfect model of inculturation; she comes to the indigenous people through their own customs and their cultural practices. To fully understand the image, then, we must turn to the viewpoints of the indigenous people — especially the native tlamatinime (wise men), who used complex pictography — and those of several scientific disciplines.

The Name “Holy Mary of Guadalupe”
The Virgin called herself “Holy Mary of Guadalupe,” combining the names “Mary” — a Jewish name that means “she who illuminates” — and “Guadalupe” — a word of arabic origin that means “the river of black pebbles” or “the bed of the river.”Together, the name can be translated as “the holy riverbed that transports and illuminates.” In taking this name, Mary shows a profound theological truth: she herself is not to be worshipped. Instead, her role is to illuminate: she brings her son, who is the livingWater and the light of the
World, into the world. In addition, since her name combines words from two cultures frequently at war with one another, it indicates yet another truth:Through the intercession of Holy Mary, warring cultures can be united.Therefore her name is very significant, for through it she reveals her identity and her mission.

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