Viva Guadalupe is, first and foremost, recognition of the honor and influence God has given to His Holy Mother, specifically under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In a world where kings, presidents, and dictators come and go, Viva Guadalupe is an invitation to put our trust in the eternal power of God through the intercession of His Blessed Mother. This dynamism has played itself out in a myriad of miracles that began with Our Lady's first appearance to Saint Juan Diego just outside of what is now Mexico City in the year 1531. Her miraculous image, left on the
tilma
of Juan Diego is a perpetual miracle that is
venerated
by the millions of visitors who travel each year to her shrine. There they thank her for favors granted and invoke the intercession she promised to Juan Diego and to all of us nearly five centuries ago.
The Viva Guadalupe apostolate seeks to promote devotion and knowledge of Our Lady of Guadalupe emphasizing the unprecedented explosion of evangelization that was brought about by her appearances in 1531 and her important role in the mission of the "New Evangelization" and the Pro-Life battle taking place today. It will encourage all to invoke her help on both a personal and societal level.
Among the primary goals of Viva Guadalupe are:
- We are currently negotiating the purchase of a parcel of land adjacent to the Shrine and it is our intent to build a welcoming center for English speaking pilgrims and visitors to the Shrine on this parcel. This center would include room for an audio/visual presentation on the Shrine and Our Lady’s occurrences. A place where Mass in English could be offered. A point of liaison with the Shrine to help coordinate activities in English.
- Improving and facilitating travel to the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City for both individuals and groups. Our Blessed Mother encouraged visiting this shrine when she told Juan Diego “I wish that a temple be erected here and here I will exhibit and give all my love, compassion, help, and protection.” Millions visit Our Lady’s shrine each year and have personally experienced her blessings but there is a real need to assist English-speaking visitors with information and help with travel to the shrine. Viva Guadalupe will actively work to coordinate travel for the millions of Catholics who would love to visit Our Lady’s Shrine if offered the opportunity.
- Distribute complimentary images of Our Lady of Guadalupe in various sizes and work towards building a Guadalupe community that includes online activities intended to make the Guadalupe story more well known.
- Explore the possibility of building an “International Memorial to the Unborn” near the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Our Lady’s appearances in 1531 ended the slaughter of human sacrifice that was common among the Aztec civilization. She is the patroness of the unborn and at this memorial, her intercession would be sought to end the present day slaughter of abortion. Elements of this memorial might include a Eucharistic Chapel of reparation for the sin of abortion, a Healing Garden to help those that have experienced the tragedy of abortion and an office facility that would provide complimentary office space for various pro-life groups from around the world. Such close proximity to one another would help with the planning, coordination and strategic planning necessary in the fight to end abortion.
