Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St in the 16th century in present day Mexico City, Mexico. Juan Diego saw an apparition of the Blessed Virgin on the Hill of Tepeyac on December 9, 1531, which happened to be the feast day of the Immaculate Conception in that time. Our Lady requested that a church be built on that site, which Juan Diego dutifully relayed to the bishop.

When Bishop Zumárraga asked for proof, roses miraculously appeared, and her image was imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma (cloak). Upon opening the tilma to reveal the miraculous roses to the bishop, there was something even more miraculous present in the tilma—a striking image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Tilma

The tilma of St. Juan Diego, crafted from agave fibers, remains an enduring miracle, defying natural decay after nearly five centuries. It features the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose elements carry profound religious and cultural symbolism.

• Stars on Her Mantle: Reflect constellations visible over Mexico on December 12, 1531, affirming the image’s divine origin.
• Ribbon Around Her Waist: Symbolizes pregnancy in Aztec culture, showing Mary as the expectant Mother of God.
• Colors of Her Clothing: The blue-green mantle represents divinity, while the rose gown signifies earth, linking heaven and humanity.
• Crescent Moon Beneath Her Feet: Represents Mary’s triumph over darkness and authority over pagan deities.
• Angel Supporting the Tilma: Symbolizes her heavenly role as a mediator between God and humanity.
• Flower Clusters: Contain Nahuatl glyphs conveying life and divinity.
• Her Eyes: Reflect scenes of Juan Diego and others, revealed through modern technology, confirming the image’s miraculous nature.

The tilma resides in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a major pilgrimage site and a powerful symbol of faith and unity for the Americas.

The Guadalupe Tilma Glass Ornament features the cherished image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, capturing her presence in stunning earth tones. Designed exclusively by The Catholic Company, this elegant piece enhances your Christmas tree or home display. A meaningful gift for devotees of Our Lady, it symbolizes faith, comfort, and the enduring love of the Patroness of the Americas.