The tender words of the Mother of Tepeyac

From the Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Sacred Scripture: John 19:26-27

Meditation for Day 2

According to the traditional account, Mary said to Juan Diego: 'Am I not here, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection?' These words echo the gift of Mary to the whole Church from the Cross, when Jesus said to the beloved disciple, 'Behold, your mother' (Jn 19:27).

The Church venerates at Guadalupe the same Mother whom Christ gave to humanity at Calvary. Today's prayer rests in her maternal protection, bringing to her every fear and anxiety, confident that the Mother who consoled Juan Diego is present still.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe (St. John Paul II, 1999)

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of Peace! Save the nations and peoples of this continent. Teach everyone, political leaders and citizens, to live in true freedom and to act according to the requirements of justice and respect for human rights, so that peace may thus be established once and for all. To you, O Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, belong all the love, honour, glory and endless praise of your American sons and daughters!

From the prayer St. John Paul II addressed to Our Lady of Guadalupe at the conclusion of his homily at the Basilica of Guadalupe, Mexico City, January 23, 1999. Recited each of the nine days.