Juan Diego

St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (1474-1548) was an indigenous Mexican Catholic convert who is best known for his role in the appearances of the Virgin Mary, known as the Virgen de Guadalupe, in 1531. He was born in Cuauhtitlán, Mexico and worked as a humble farmer and weaver. In 1531, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him and asked him to request a church be built in her honor on Tepeyac Hill. After several encounters, the Virgin provided Juan Diego with miraculous roses and an image of herself imprinted on his tilma (cloak), which convinced the bishop to build the church. Juan Diego is venerated for his faith, humility, and role in the apparitions, and is the patron saint of indigenous peoples.