In December 1531, the Virgin appeared to an Indian, Juan Diego. In
this series of appearances to him, she stated her desire for a church
to be built on the site of her apparition, the hill of Tepeyac, just
outside of the Mexican capital. Her wishes were fulfilled when Juan
Diego presented a cloak full of roses that she had given him for the
unbelieving bishop. The cloak appeared miraculously imprinted with
her image. This tilma is presently in the basilica of Guadalupe,
where it has been since it was transferred in 1709 from earlier
chapels, and is the basis for any subsequent reproduction of N. S. de
Guadalupe.
The image of Nuestra Seņora de Guadalupe is very distinct. Mary is
Indian in appearance, with her hands together in prayer and her eyes
cast down. She is surrounded by a mandorla, a halo of golden rays and
she stands on a crescent moon which is supported by a winged angel.
The color scheme of the blue mantle with golden stars and trim, and
the red robe with gold embroidery, never changes.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Americas and is implored
to remedy ills and for protection against evil and war.