A symbol of hope and faith, the Our Lady of Guadalupe pendant is a beautiful reminder that no matter what life throws our way, we are never alone. The story of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one that has inspired millions for centuries. In December of 1531, a peasant named Juan Diego was on his way to Mass when he had a vision of the Virgin Mary. She asked him to build her a church on Tepeyac Hill, and when he went to the local bishop to relay her request, he was met with skepticism. Juan Diego returned to Mary and she told him to gather roses in his cloak and take them to the bishop as proof of her request. When Juan Diego opened his cloak before the bishop, not only were there roses, but also an image of the Virgin Mary imprinted on the fabric - an image that is now known around the world as Our Lady of Guadalupe. This miraculous event is said to have converted over eight million Aztecs to Christianity and today, the shrine built in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. For Catholics, she is seen as a powerful intercessor and protector, and her feast day on December 12th is celebrated with great joy throughout Mexico and Latin America. Our Lady of Guadalupe holds a special place in my heart because I have many Mexican-American friends and grew up going to annual celebrations honoring her at my parish growing up. Seeing how much faith and devotion my community had - and still has - for her always filled me with pride in my culture and strengthened my own faith. No matter what challenges I face in life or how lost I feel at times, looking at this pendant reminds me that I am never alone; Our Lady of Guadalupe is always with me, interceding on my behalf just as she did for Juan. Height 40-mm, Width 25-mm, Depth 4-mm. This Pewter Charm Does Not Include a Jump Ring or Split Ring.
