"I Will Hear their Weeping…"

BY ANNE DRAKE & LORA LUCAS-BAILIE

In honor of the Feast of Saints Jacinta and Francisco of Fatima, on February 20th, we travelled to Mexico City to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on your behalf. Despite all the difficult circumstances due to COVID and personal challenges, we were determined to make this sublimely fragrant delivery to Our Lady.

15,120 beautifully arranged roses were presented to Our Lady of Guadalupe before her miraculous image at her Shrine in Mexico City. These roses were sent by thousands of mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, sons and daughters, as a tribute to our heavenly Mother and Patroness of the Americas. This effort focuses specifically on offering reparation for the sin of abortion and the bloodbath caused by the murder of millions of unborn children each year since the iniquitous Roe v. Wade decision of 1973.

In opposition to this crime and to make reparation for this sin “that cries out to heaven for vengeance,” a massive array of roses was sent by ANF friends and supporters. This floral tribute symbolizes their immense love of God, their profound devotion to the Virgin Mary and their ardent commitment to protect the unborn.

Tens of thousands of personal intentions, concerns and petitions were also presented to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Presenting intentions in this place made sacred by the Mother of God has special significance. In 1531, Our Lady herself told San Juan Diego, “I am truly a merciful mother…. Here I will hear their weeping, their complaints and heal all their sorrows, hardships and sufferings.”

Forty-nine votive candles were lit at the shrine, one for each year since the tragic decision of Roe v Wade. May these offerings and prayers rise up to God Almighty, through the maternal heart of the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe, Protectress of the Unborn, as a fervent and confident plea for the immediate end to this modern massacre of the innocent. ■