The Archdiocese of Manila is the oldest diocese in the Philippines, created in 1579 as a diocese and elevated as a metropolitan archdiocese in 1595. Also, Manila was established as a suffragan diocese of Mexico in 1579 by Pope Gregory XIII. Hence many of the Mexican devotions were brought here to the Philippines. 

According to lore, it was a winter’s day in 1531 when the Virgin Mary first appeared to Juan Diego, a peasant, as he was crossing a hillside near present-day Mexico City. She appeared as a dark-skinned woman who spoke Nahuatl, Juan Diego’s native language. This woman asked Juan Diego to build her a little house, a casita, on the hill. Twice, Juan Diego reported this to his local bishop, who didn’t believe him. The second time, the bishop asked for proof of the apparitions. Juan Diego brought rare Castilian Roses to the Bishop in the clothes which eventually became the Tilma. 

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patron Saint of the unborn.

Now more than ever, we need her intercession because people have to look at life as an object. People now look at people as objects. If you are not productive anymore, if you are a burden already, or if someone better comes along, you are replaced or eliminated. 

May we always be reminded that each life:

1. Has a mission
2. Brings Joy
3. Is an image and likeness of God. Hence, God will always provide.