Aguascalientes, December 12, 2025.—As part of the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Rev. Luis Felipe Quesada Pérez, Senior Chaplain at the Aguascalientes campus of the Universidad Panamericana , shared a reflection on the enduring relevance of the message of Guadalupe and its importance for both the university community and the country.
Father Felipe emphasized that, unlike other Marian apparitions, the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe is deeply hopeful and relatable, centered on Mary’s maternal love for her children: “The core of the message of Guadalupe is very simple but full of hope: ‘I am your mother.’ Who doesn’t need affection? Who doesn’t need someone who feels close to them?” he said.
This message, he noted, responds to a universal human need: the need to feel accompanied, valued, and loved. The Virgin Mary, by presenting herself as a mother, “transcends our limitations” and welcomes each person just as they are, regardless of their history or circumstances.
For young people, he added, this certainty can become a profound source of comfort and strength. “The Virgin Mary comes to tell us that she loves us. Her love is a reminder that we are not alone and that God has chosen to give us a mother who cares for us and walks with us,” he said.
He also emphasized that this message retains a special power in today’s context, where many people are facing difficult family situations or living amid social insecurity. “That’s why it remains the most visited shrine in the world,” he explained, “because we all like to feel loved.”
Unity and a Sense of Community
The chaplain also highlighted the historical role of Our Lady of Guadalupe as a unifying force in Mexico, noting that the conversions and social cohesion that followed the apparitions were decisive in the process of evangelization.
“Having a common mother fosters unity. The message of Guadalupe is rooted in a very deep sense of unity: it reminds us that we are all children of the same Father and that we long for a Mexico that is more just, safe, and peaceful,” said the chaplain.
He also noted that this sense of unity can be experienced in a tangible way within the university community, strengthening its identity and collaborative efforts.
Historical Context of Its Emergence
Father Felipe explained that, according to the *Nican Mopohua*— a narrative written in Nahuatl around the 16th century that recounts in detail the apparitions of the Virgin of Guadalupe to Saint Juan Diego and preserves their spiritual and historical significance—the Virgin appeared from December 9 to 12, 1531, on Tepeyac Hill, leaving as a sign the image imprinted on the tilma.
He also noted that, although the document was written decades later, there is sufficient historical and testimonial evidence regarding the authenticity of the Guadalupe event, including the sudden surge in conversions and the influx of pilgrims to Tepeyac. He further emphasized the significance of this event in the country’s religious and cultural history.
When asked why the Virgin chose Mexico, Father Felipe replied with a touch of humor, “I haven’t asked her.” However, he added that, given the historical context, the evangelizing influence of New Spain may have been a providential reason, since from Mexico the faith could spread more widely throughout the Americas.
A Timeless Message for the University Community
For the community of Universidad Panamericana, the message of Guadalupe remains a source of spiritual and human inspiration. Through faith, reflection, and a commitment to the common good, devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe continues to remind us that love, unity, and hope are essential pillars for transforming society.
