Luis de Mena, casta painting, c. 1750. Museo de América, Madrid.
For more information go here.
He's speaking - in part - about that which is depicted in the painting shown above.
The Blessed Virgin appeared as a mestiza to an indigenous man, now venerated as St. Juan Diego.
For more on casta paintings go here.
Ed. note: When I was little, my grandmother visited Guadalupe and Mexico quite often. She lived in San Francisco and often visited the California Missions as well. She sent books and artifacts and devotional items from each of these places - just for me, which probably accounts for my love of Spanish Colonial and Santero art, including a great love for Latino and indigenous people... and now our beloved Pope. :)
I remember once hearing at Mass that she also came for those who were indifferent to the indigenous people's suffering and less than charitable state in life. She needs no words to speak to her little ones when they gaze upon her beautiful image.
ReplyDeleteHer being a bella Mestiza is enough for them as she "is one of us." With such reverence and respect do they love her and know she is sent from God.
What a grace to be reminded again with Papa's visit that La Virgencita loves us always.
Thank you Terry for your continued sharing of your love for our Lady.
"I remember once hearing at Mass that she also came for those who were indifferent to the indigenous people's suffering and less than charitable state in life."
ReplyDeleteYes! And she comes again in this way with the Holy Father's visit, don't you think? They say he challenged the bishops - in this I see he permits them to stand up and speak out in charity and truth. Everything is a grace from Our Mother of Divine Grace.
One priest shared on Spanish media that he believes this particular visit of a pope is special since it is a Latin American pope who can speak to the people in "their language not only with words but with gestures." He said he also believes that with Papa's visit to the shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe, "she is reminding us once again of her presence in out midst as many of us have forgotten her."
DeleteI agree with that priest.
DeleteI should add - when I was little I wanted to be Mexican or mulatto because Our Lady visited 'them' - also, so many saints, Martin de Porres, Felipe de Jesus, Marianna of Quito, and so on. I realized later she came for all of us - she is Mother to all of us.
ReplyDeleteShe is Cause of our Joy.
Yes, she is and you are right about our Holy Father's tough love message to the Mexican bishops. I have a very good friend who is a priest in Mexico and he used to tell me that some of the bishops were into prestige and image. He was a seminarian at the time and yes, while he did gossip, he was disappointed with some of the bishops he had met. That was a long time ago.
DeleteAnyway, may the bishops take to heart what Papa Francisco has challenged them to. If they take up the task just imagine what miracles can move and how the Holy Spirit will bring about renewal, healing, hope and a more vibrant faith.
I'll be praying!
Me too!
DeleteIt makes me so happy, Terry, to think about your Grandmother doing that for you: surely she loved you very much. And just as surely she looks out for you now, interceding for you....you are so Blessed !
ReplyDeleteNow that I am with little children everyday, who touch my heart so, I feel softened, whereas with the old people and nuns I was drained and exhausted: it makes me think anew each day of Our accepting our smallness before God and entrusting ourselves to Our Lady: with security and trust we do this.
I am So Happy to know Pope Francis is with us ! that he is, literally and figuratively, on the ground With Us. He is such a Father...so approachable..
he melts hearts...
Thanks Consolata - she tried.
DeleteWhat a beautiful gift your grandmother gave you, Terry. I grew up in a family very similar to yours, and it was very violent. I constantly had to lie -- cigarette burns, scalded hands (for not washing the dishes well enough), a broken jaw, wired together for six weeks, for throwing myself over my little sisters to protect them when dad went into one of his rages because they had . . . I don't remember what. I marketed myself as a clutz and an oaf, and people believed it.
ReplyDeleteI know it sounds odd, but what gave me a lump in my throat was the three words about your grandma's gifts; that they were "just for me." May she rest in peace, and rise in glory.
Big hug Fr. Frank. Big hug.
DeleteAh ! Father Frank ! My own big brother looked out for me in much the same way: the cruelty and abuse he was subjected to by our father brings me to tears, this day. God Bless You.
DeleteVery, very sadly his experience led him to complete atheism. Consequently his children, as well.
Dear Consolata,
ReplyDeleteYou and I know that the God the atheists like your brother don't believe in is the same "god" we don't believe in. Your brother is looking for justice, as he should. Our very difficult job is to show that God hates the things that were done to us, but still (scandalously!) desires to have mercy on all who truly repent. I will pray for your family tonight. Please ask the Lord Jesus and Our Lady to help me be a good priest! I'm pretty obviously damaged goods.
Yes, you Are in my prayers now: and I thank you so for yours, for my family. I am the last 'Catholic' among us.
ReplyDelete"Damaged Goods": that is indeed how my brother, sister & I see ourselves as well. But I have learned that having such great deficits makes me so painfully aware of my need for God,for mercy, that I have ended up being grateful ! There is so much to say about the on-going suffering of people 'like us'. One day there will be Peace.