The Hollow of Her Mantle

Taken on Tepeyac Hill at Dawn

Up the mountain of Tepeyac I climb,

weary feet, burdened heart…

fears crowd me within

sharp like thorns.

These first streaks of dawn

bring me no joy

for I am alone.

My mind runs in circles

looking for answers

I cannot find.

But…what is this?

Faint sounds of birds

singing freely and fully

float down to meet me.

I follow them

further up, further in

and find myself on my knees

before the Queen of Heaven.

And there is no formality

I am her child.

The world expands and breathes deeply

Her words, so sweet and clear

rest upon me.

I am seen

and steeped in peace.

Broad space opens in her Immaculate Heart

to receive all my cares.

I am held

in her maternal embrace.

And my heart no longer carries thorns

but roses.

“Listen, put it into your heart…that what frightened you, what afflicted you is nothing; do not let it disturb your face, your heart; do not fear…Am I not here, I who have the honor to be your mother? Are you not in my shadow and under my protection? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need anything more?”

-Words of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. John Diego

December 12, 1531

-Sr. Thérèse, CFR