Guadalupe

March 12, 2009

Basilica De La Virgin De Guadalupe

Our bus took us to the Basilica De La Virgin De Guadalupe. The original church marks the spot of a miracle in the fifteen hundreds. An indigenous Mexican convert was visited three times on a hilltop above the city. His proof of the events convinced the Bishop and the Virgin's instruction was heeded; A church was built on the hill. The Virgin of Guadalupe became such a popular figure that the church soon was outgrown.

A second church was built below the original in the early 1700's. Once again it became too small, and was also found to be tipping on its sand footings. In 1973 a new Basilica of startling avaunt guard Mexican architecture was built. Pope John Paul II has blessed this place by 5 visits during his reign.


We entered the new Basilica during a service. Pure grandeur and an intimacy somehow combine with the help of the wonderful acoustics. One hears and shares in all that happens in the service.
An aisle takes us under the altar where we look up at the cross and relic on the wall high above and behind the altar. We find ourselves looking at the cape of Juan Diego and the very image of La Virgin De Guadalupe as it miraculously appeared before Juan Diego and the Bishop himself.

We took a break in a quiet hallway beneath the back of the church. Needless to say it stayed quiet. Just about everyone gave pause to think about what we'd just experienced.

Our tour took us to the grand Gothic cathedral of the 1700's. Today she is in a state of severe distress. She leans dangerously as workers try to stop her slip towards a fall. Scaffolding and jacks support the ceiling and pillars of her main sanctuary while efforts go on to add stability to the foundation. Meanwhile a small side altar is still in use. A crucifix shows a beaten and bloodied Christ there in this beaten and bloodied old Cathedral. A powerful sense of travail overcame me.

In the courtyard grand vistas, historic churches, nunnery, the parroquia, and chapels (5) create a history lesson, an architecture lesson, a religious lesson and a supreme inspiration all on one plaza.


Our tour was like good movies are; They're just never long enough.