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April 27, 2026Next Sunday, we recognize our Blessed Mother with “May Crowning,”emphasizing her continued grace and intercession within our Church and beyond.
Of course, of all her apparitions, Mary’s appearance before Juan Diego was most distinct. The unique clothing of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as seen on the miraculous tilma (cloak), features a rose-colored gown signifying the earth. Woven into the tilma are the hallmark features of indigenous Aztec floral patterns and a black maternity sash—an Aztec symbol—marking her as a pregnant IndigenousSpanish mestiza. Symbolized on the‘tilma’(cloak) is a teal/blue mantle representing heaven, with 46 stars that align with the night sky constellations when she appeared to Juan Diego. From the fourteenth century to the middle of the sixteenth the Aztecs formed a sophisticated culture in central Mexico that was a wide influence on the surrounding tribes. On our Roman Calendar there are three feast days honoring Native American saints. Most recognizable is Kateri Tekekwitha, of the Mohawk tribe in upper New York State. Having been baptized and received as a Catholic-Christian she was soon ostracized from her people. She made the long journey to Canada, joining up with another Mohawk tribe who were welcoming to Christian converts. Smallpox severely diminished her physical health but she nonetheless clung to her faith until she died at age 24. Often referenced as “Lily of the Mohawks,” her feast day is July 14th.In the early sixteenth century three Native American teenagers converted to Catholicism through the outreach of Franciscan missionaries.
All three were martyred because of their newfound faith and their efforts to convert family members and others within their Tlaxcaltic tribe of Mexico.Cristobalito, Antonio and Juan were in their early teens when they professed their faith, well before Mary appeared to Juan Diego. Canonized and recognized on the Roman Calendar as The Martyrs of Tlaxcala, their feast day is September 23. Juan Diego was the first indigenous American canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. In 1531 he saw visions of our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe, which led to his conversion and thus, thousands of other indigenous people who would likewise be received into the Catholic faith through baptism. St. Juan Diego’s feast day is December 9th, two days before that of the Immaculate Conception, three days before Our Lady of Guadalupe’s holy day.My meandering thoughts in consideration of these essential indigenous saints is more or less inspired at this time by the book I’m presently reading: Chief Joseph and the Flight of the Nez Perce. When he spoke the words, “It is finished. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more against the white man,” Chief Joseph was hardly a warrior or war minded leader. He simply wanted to return his people to their homeland, and protect their wellbeing. His integrity reflected the teachings of Christ Jesus, and that of our Church though he had not converted to Christianity. As the book details: Most impressive of all was their leader, Chief Joseph, who since handing over his rifle had spent his time walking among his people, speaking gently, calming their fears, and trying to buoy their spirits. He showed no rancor toward his captors and carried himself with a quiet dignity. . . .Here he was, quelling his own grief (over the loss of his daughter) in order to comfort his people and meet his captors with dignity and respect. . . .Since the surrender, Chief Joseph and Colonel Miles had seemed to develop a camaraderie.They had been through a common hell, and each man carried the burden of the dead upon his like victor and vanquished but like two charged with the common task of caring for the weary and wounded.” In the diversity of our Church, we again are brought back to the inherited grace of each life born into this world, and essence of our Christian values as evidenced in our second reading from Peter’s first letter. When Jesus was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over. . .He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross. . .and by His wounds we have been healed.”God Bless, Fr. TimFYI:“May the stars carry your sadness away, may the flowers fill your heart with beauty, may hope forever wipe away your tears, and, above all, may silence make you strong.”(Chief Dan George)shoulders. They could be seen walking together on the wintry hillsides talking not