Part 3: Juan Diego avoids meeting Our Lady

[00:00:10] Part 3, Verses 88-142

[00:00:14] Juan Diego tries to avoid Our Lady.

[00:00:17] In this segment, we witness Juan Diego's heartfelt devotion as he faces both personal trials and divine tasks.

[00:00:28] Meanwhile, Juan Diego met with the Virgin again and relayed the bishop's request for a sign.

[00:00:34] She reassured him, saying,

[00:00:36] That is fine, my little son. Come back here tomorrow, and I will give you the sign he has asked for.

[00:00:43] With it, he will believe, and all doubts will be erased. Be at peace, my son.

[00:00:50] Your efforts and struggles on my behalf will not go unrewarded.

[00:00:55] The following day, however, Juan Diego did not return to Depeyac.

[00:00:59] His uncle, Juan Bernardino, had fallen gravely ill, and Juan Diego stayed by his side, seeking a doctor in vain.

[00:01:08] As night fell, his uncle asked him to go to Tlatelolco at first light to bring a priest for his final confession.

[00:01:15] On Tuesday, before dawn, Juan Diego set out.

[00:01:18] As he approached the hill of Depeyac, he decided to take a different route, avoiding the path where he had encountered the Virgin before.

[00:01:26] He thought,

[00:01:27] If I go this way, perhaps the noble lady will not see me and stop me, for I must first bring help to my uncle.

[00:01:34] But as he reached the other side of the hill, the Virgin appeared before him, descending from the summit.

[00:01:39] She greeted him warmly, asking,

[00:01:42] My youngest son, where are you going? What troubles your heart?

[00:01:46] Overwhelmed, Juan Diego knelt before her, explaining his uncle's illness and his urgent errand.

[00:01:53] Forgive me, my little girl, my lady, he said.

[00:01:57] I will return after I have brought the priest, but I must go quickly now, as my uncle awaits him.

[00:02:03] The merciful Virgin smiled and replied,

[00:02:06] Listen, my son, do not let this illness or any other trouble disturb your heart. Am I not here? I who have the honor to be your mother? Are you not under my protection in the crossing of my arms? Do not fear. Your uncle will not die. He is already healed.

[00:02:26] At that moment, Juan Diego felt immense peace and comfort. His fear vanished, and he begged the Virgin to send him to the bishop with the sign she had promised.

[00:02:37] The Queen of Heaven then instructed him to go to the top of the small hill where he had previously seen her. She said,

[00:02:44] Go up, my youngest son, to the top of the hill where you saw me before and I told you what to do. There you will see various kinds of flowers spread out. Cut them, gather them together, and bring them here into my presence.

[00:02:59] Juan Diego climbed the little hill. When he reached the top, he was astonished to find so many flowers in bloom, their petals open and vibrant. These were flowers of every kind, lovely and beautiful, like those of Castile.

[00:03:13] Despite it being the harshest season of frost, the flowers emitted a delicate fragrance like precious pearls covered in the night's dew.

[00:03:23] Without hesitation, he began cutting them, gathering them into the hollow of his tilma. It was remarkable because the top of the hill was not a place where flowers could grow.

[00:03:33] It was rocky, with burrs, thorny plants, wild prickly pear, and mesquite bushes.

[00:03:39] Even in more favorable conditions, only spears grass would grow there. And yet this was December, when the frost destroys all vegetation.

[00:03:49] He descended the hill and brought the flowers to the heavenly maiden. When she saw them, she took them into her venerable hands.

[00:03:57] Then she placed them back into the hollow of Juan Diego's tilma. She said,

[00:04:01] My youngest son, these flowers are the sign you will take to the bishop. Tell him that in these flowers he will see my desire and must fulfill my will.

[00:04:13] You, my messenger, are the one I trust completely. I strictly command you to show the bishop the flowers only in his presence.

[00:04:22] Tell him everything you saw and admired on the hill, and that I ordered you to cut the flowers. Convince the bishop so he will carry out his responsibility and build my sacred little house.

[00:04:37] With her instructions, Juan Diego set off on the highway, heading straight for Mexico City.

[00:04:42] His heart was now at peace, filled with joy and hope that the flowers will resolve everything.

[00:04:48] Along the way, he was careful to protect the flowers in the hollow of his tilma, ensuring that he wouldn't lose any of them.

[00:04:56] As he walked, he enjoyed their exquisite fragrance.

[00:04:59] The Nikan Mopowa is brought to you by Juan Diego Network, featuring an original translation and adaptation of the text for the English language.

[00:05:19] Thank you for listening.