Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego - (Celebrating Faith: Explorations in Latino Spirituality and T) by Eduardo Chávez (Paperback)

About the Book

Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego: The Historical Evidence offers a detailed account of the Great Guadalupan Event and its historical and spiritual importance today. As part of the series Celebrating Faith: Explorations in Latino Spirituality and Theology, Eduardo Chávez's work explores the Guadalupan apparition narrative using the historical documents and past investigations as avenues to come closer to the reality of the events in 1531. His thorough study yields a refreshing new perspective on centuries-old events in Mexico, and also offers a compelling portrait of the continued importance of the Virgin of Guadalupe for countless believers.

Book Synopsis

In Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego, Eduardo Chávez presents the most important points of the Great Guadalupan Event: the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego, a recently converted indigenous man, in Mexico. Through a utilization of the numerous historical documents and investigations of this event, Chávez details the reality of what occurred in the cold winter of 1531. As described by Pope John Paul II, 'The Guadalupan Event is the perfectly inculturated Evangelization model.' Chávez's historical analysis not only represents strong scholarship, but also draws the reader closer to the spiritual power of the events. As the newest contribution to the series Celebrating Faith: Explorations in Latino Spirituality and Theology, this work is of course ideal for use in Latino Studies, but also appeals to wider audience more curious about the Guadalupan event and its meaning for contemporary Christianity.

Review Quotes

"Father Eduardo Chávez is well known and respected throughout Mexico and the Vatican for his critical and relentless research on our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. But Our Lady of Guadalupe is not just for Mexico. As John Paul II stated in Ecclesia en America, she is the mother of all America. I am personally delighted that this all important work will now be available to English-language audiences. This critical and comprehensive study is a rare combination of scientific rigor and inspirational wisdom. It allows the reader to enter into the America of the 1500's and experience not only the apparitions of Our Lady, but also the life and surroundings of her messenger, Juan Diego. This book makes a great contribution to the scholarly study of this all-important devotion that marks the spiritual beginning of our New World." --Most Reverend José Gomez, Archbishop of San Antonio

"This book is a very readable compilation of the scientific evidence and rigorous official investigation. If there was any doubt about the historicity of the event or about the identity of St. Juan Diego, this book clarifies their authenticity. The numerous documents cited by Dr. Chávez in this book substantiate the facts and offer a "taste" of indigenous culture, of religious controversy, of Church history in Mexico, and of Mary's and Juan Diego's mission to spread the good news: Jesus is our Savior. The English translation of Dr. Chávez's work is definitely a valuable addition to all the sources that we have on this important historical, cultural, and religious event." --Sr. Rosa Maria Icaza, C.C.V.I., Ph.D., Mexican American Cultural Center

"The historical evidence of the Guadalupan Event transforms the world because it appeals to the heart. However, appealing to the heart does not imply neglecting fact or reality. The history of this event and of its cultural effects, as related in this book, illustrate the marvelous encounter between the Lady and Juan Diego in both realistic dialogue and in mystical reflection. Such a book may be an invitation to go back to the roots of modern civilization in the Americas." --Raymond Brodeur, professor of theology and religion, Université Laval, Québec

"Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego have inspired and empowered generations of Mexicans on both sides of the border. Eduardo Chávez's well-documented and highly readable account of the Guadalupe event is a significant contribution to both Mexican and Chicano Studies." --Mario T. Garcia, professor of history and Chicano studies, University of California Santa Barbara

"Those who seek an insider view into the canonization of St. Juan Diego will find this book illuminating. For those interested in the ever evolving fascination with Juan Diego and the Guadalupe event, it is indispensable." --Timothy Matovina, Associate professor of Theology and the William and Anna Jean Cushwa Director of the Cushwa Center for the Study of American Cat

About the Author

Rev. Eduardo Chávez is the Rector of the Pontifical College of Mexico in Mexico City and a renowned historian of religion in Mexico.