Part 2: Bishop Fray Juan de Zumárraga asks for a sign

[00:00:10] Part 2, Verses 49-87. Bishop Fray Juan de Zumárraga asks for a sign.

[00:00:18] In this episode, we delve deeper into Juan Diego's unwavering humility and courage as he wrestles with doubt in his perceived unworthiness to carry out the Virgin Mary's divine mission.

[00:00:32] Seeing her, he prostrated himself before her and said,

[00:00:36] My lady, my queen, my little girl, I went to where you sent me to deliver your sacred words.

[00:00:44] Though it was difficult to gain an audience with the bishop, I managed to see him and presented your message just as you instructed me.

[00:00:51] He listened with attention and kindness, but I fear he did not believe me.

[00:00:55] He told me to return another time and speak to him again, as if questioning whether this divine house you desire is truly your will or perhaps something I invented.

[00:01:05] Therefore, my lady, my queen, my little girl, I beg you to entrust this task to someone more esteemed, someone respected and well known, who will be believed.

[00:01:16] I am just a humble man of no importance, a mere porter's rope, a tail, a wing.

[00:01:23] I am not suited for this task.

[00:01:26] Please, my lady, forgive me for troubling you and angering you with my inadequacy.

[00:01:31] The perfect Virgin, worthy of all honor, responded to him with gentle but firm words.

[00:01:36] Listen, my youngest son, know for certain that I have many servants and messengers to whom I could entrust this task, but it is essential that you, personally, carry out this mission.

[00:01:50] Through you, my will must come to pass.

[00:01:54] I urge you, my son, to go again tomorrow and speak with the bishop.

[00:01:59] In my name, tell him of my desire and my will, that he build my sacred house here, as I have asked.

[00:02:07] Tell him everything again with care and assure him that I, the ever-Virgin Holy Mary, Mother of God, am sending you as my messenger.

[00:02:17] Juan Diego, moved by her words, replied,

[00:02:21] My lady, my queen, my little girl, I will not cause you grief or further anguish.

[00:02:27] I will go with joy to deliver your sacred message.

[00:02:31] The road will not trouble me, though I fear that I will not be believed.

[00:02:35] Still, I will return to you by tomorrow evening to share what the bishop has said.

[00:02:39] Now, I take my leave, my lady, my youngest daughter, rest a little while longer.

[00:02:46] That night, Juan Diego returned to his home to rest.

[00:02:50] The next day, Sunday, before dawn, he set out for Tlatelolco to attend mass and continue his learning in the faith.

[00:02:58] Afterward, he went directly to the bishop's palace.

[00:03:01] Once again, he had to wait and persist to gain an audience.

[00:03:05] When the bishop finally received him, Juan Diego knelt before him, weeping as he spoke of the Queen of Heaven's request and implored him to believe.

[00:03:14] The bishop, however, sought to confirm the truth.

[00:03:17] He asked Juan Diego many questions, where he had seen her, what she looked like, and every detail of the experience.

[00:03:25] Juan Diego answered everything with sincerity, describing the vision, the majesty of the lady, and the message she had entrusted to him.

[00:03:33] Still, the bishop hesitated and said,

[00:03:36] If this is true, I need a sign, some proof that it is indeed the will of the Queen of Heaven.

[00:03:45] Juan Diego agreed, replying,

[00:03:48] Señor Governor, please decide on the sign you require, and I will ask her for it.

[00:03:53] The bishop, seeing Juan Diego's resolve, dismissed him.

[00:03:56] However, the bishop secretly instructed his servants to follow Juan Diego and observe his movements.

[00:04:02] As Juan Diego left the palace, he walked along the familial road toward Tepeyac.

[00:04:07] But as he neared the ravine, the servants lost sight of him.

[00:04:10] They searched for him in frustration but could not find him.

[00:04:14] Defeated and angry, they returned to the bishop, claiming that Juan Diego was lying or imagining everything.

[00:04:20] They even suggested that he be punished should he return.

[00:04:35] The Nikan Mopowa is brought to you by Juan Diego Network, featuring an original translation and adaptation of the text for the English language.

[00:04:44] Thank you for listening.

[00:04:45] Thank you for listening.

[00:04:45] Thank you.

[00:04:46] Thank you.