On Juan Diego's tilma/ the Lady stands in front of the sun/ which was worshipped as a god by the Aztecs./ We pray to be freed of anything we have allowed to supersede or replace God./ We pray to the Lord.
The Lady on Juan Diego's tilma is taking a step./ We pray to be Christians in motion,/ persons who carry a message of life and hope to those who are alone,/ insecure,/ afraid or exploited./ We pray to the Lord.
The Lady of Juan Diego's tilma stands on a crescent moon./ It is the moon in its beginning phase./ We pray to begin again when we have forgotten or failed God,/ ourselves or others./ We pray to the Lord.
The colors of the tilma are vibrant and fresh./ We pray not to cast every person,/ problem or human dilemma in terms of black and white,/ but to see the world and God's presence in it,/ in their colors/ and even colors which change./ We pray to the Lord.
The roses of Tepeyac were rich in fragrance./ We pray to leave the fragrance of Christ wherever we go:/ his gentle kindness,/ his capacity to lift others up,/ his patience with weakness./ We pray to the Lord.
Juan Diego and his people were indigenous to Mexico:/ a defeated people./ We call to mind those we know and care for/ who perhaps are defeated by addiction,/ age,/ depression,/ sickness or sorrow/ asking for their consolation and strength./ We pray to the Lord.
In the miracle of the roses,/ flowers bloom in winter./ We ask to be a people of hope:/ persons who believe still in God/ who can bring beauty,/ reconciliation and life out of what is seemingly dead or without promise./ We pray to the Lord.
