By Sister Claudia Cano 

Let the Encuentro begin…

As you look at the image of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, what is it that you need her to hear? What is it that you need her to know? When you come to her, do you let yourself be vulnerable to the brokenness within your heart and mind? As you sit with her, you might ask “Am I worthy of receiving your compassion and love when I have been so distraught and overwhelmed with emotional fatigue?”  

Look into her eyes and let yourself be embraced by her caring gaze. Look at the position of her head tilted in a way that draws you into her gentleness and compassion. Look at how her whole body seems to be inviting you in to relieve you of what troubles you.  

Speak to her of a time when you wanted to be somewhere else rather than with a person or group of people that you know will never understand who you are. Speak to her of a time when you felt intense pain…the loss of a job, the death of a loved one… Speak to her because you need to heal a broken soul and want to be a better person than the day before. 

Listen to her sweet voice trying to quiet your heart. Listen to the words she uses to reassure you that you are created for love, to be loved, and to love. Listen, for it is you that must know that she will always be there to pray with and for you.  

Our Lady of Guadalupe has been an important intercessor for us for so long. We are her dearest daughters and sons. We come to her with a desire to feel like we matter, because we do! Having received her consolation, let us go forward, strengthened, to continue our life journey.

Amen.