¿Acaso no soy yo tu madre? ¿No estoy aquí? (Am I not your mother? Am I not here?)

The words of the Blessed Mother are as true and as timely today as they were when she spoke them to St. Juan Diego centuries ago on a little hill in Mexico. She is our mother, and she accompanies us on our journey, always pointing us toward her Son.

She is the one who brings us together, those from the “old world” and “new world.” Cultural, language, and political boundaries only seem to separate us. Truly we are all one: we are all Americans, we are all brothers and sisters, we are all members of the Body of Christ.

May we all gather together under the protective mantle of our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and seek her intercession as we pray for the unity and peace that is God’s gift to us, if we are willing to receive it.

Prayer card designed by Fr. Mario Serrano, OFM Conv., for his ordination to the priesthood.