St. Juan Diego

Patron Saint of Indigenous People

St. Juan Diego was born in Cuauhtitlán, Mexico in 1474. Chronologically, he is the first Catholic saint from the Americas. Juan Diego had four apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in December 1531. His cloak was impressed with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. After these appearances, he led an exemplary life devoted to the faith. Veneration of Our Lady of Guadalupe spread throughout Mexico and Latin America, and helped spread Catholicism in the whole region. Pope Saint John Paul II referred to Juan Diego as “the confidant of the sweet Lady of the Tepeyac.” He beatified and canonized Juan Diego, and on both occasions, traveled to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City for the ceremonies.