Lady of Guatalupe Brings Home to Millions

  

‘Lady of Guadalupe’ (2020) Brings Hope to Millions

By Timothy Spearman Dedicated to my father WB.

 During the pandemic, I was stranded in La Paz, Mexico, while waiting nearly two years for the Philippines to open to foreign tourists. I intended to go there to marry my wife, Yazmeen. While waiting in La Paz, my then-fiancé asked me to send her a statue of the Lady of Guadalupe. I found an icon of the Lady of Guadalupe in a church and sent it to Yazmeen. It is still sitting in the kitchen in her Philippines.

 

Such a vivid memory made me want to find out more about the Lady of Guadalupe, so I watched a film by that title tonight. The story of an ambitious reporter, Juan Martinez, who is assigned to write an article on faith, he discovers the legend of Our Lady of Guadalupe. According to the historical account, the Holy Mother appeared to a humble villager named Cuauhtla Towatsin, who, in his native language Nahuatl means “He who speaks like an eagle.”

 

A native of New Spain, the humble villager converts to Christianity and is christened Juan Diego by the village priest. Upon a hill, he walked on every day on his way to mass, Tapeyak Hill, an apparition of the Holy Mother Mary appears before him. This hill holds great symbolic significance. Before the conquest, a temple dedicated to Tonansen, meaning “our little mother,” the Aztec mother goddess, had once stood there. It is the perfect location, a bridge between two worlds, bridging the Aztec earth mother with the Christian Mother of God. The Holy Mother bids him to deliver her message to the bishop, bidding him to build a shrine at the very location where she had appeared to him.

 

Juan Diego goes directly to the bishop, but is restrained at the entrance to the episcopal palace by two Spanish guards. Taking pity on the humble villager, the captain commands the guards to release the native and then dismisses them. Juan Diego recognizes the captain as the Spanish prisoner of the natives he had formerly freed before his fellow natives could make a sacrifice of him to their gods. Karma being what it is, the former Spanish prisoner named Juan now returns the favour,  

 

When the bishop hears the message Juan Diego delivers on the Holy Mother’s behalf, he urges Juan to bring him proof of his encounter with the Mother of God before he can give the order to have a shrine built on the site. When Juan returns to the site of the miracle, the Lady of Guadalupe bids him to gather flowers and bring them to her. When Juan protests that it’s winter and no flowers will bloom at this time of year, he is met by another miracle when he finds rose bushes in full bloom.

 

Returning with proof of his encounter, Juan is met and restrained by the same two guards at the entrance. Outwitting the guards, he slips by them and runs to the bishop. However, the guards soon catch up with him and restrain him, but are commanded by the bishop himself to release him. Juan Diego then announces that he has come with proof. The bishop requests that he show him, so Juan unfurls his tilma cloak, revealing an image of the Lady of Guadalupe with the roses rolling out upon the ground. All present are immediately persuaded to believe in the miracle, including the two guards who had shown him such disregard.

 

The reporter Martinez’s faith is tested when his wife is injured in a car accident, and his personal journey takes him from cynic to true believer as he witnesses the power of divine miracles in his own life. The accident is foreshadowed by a scene where Martinez tells his wife, Mary, “Look seriously, I hate you driving that car at night.” To which Mary replies, “And why don’t. you know what? Why don’t you catch up with me after class and drive me home.”

 

After attending the lecture given by Father Xavier Escalada (Glenn Craley) on the Lady of Guadalupe, Martinez can solicit his help in writing his story. Father Escalada’s lecture points go like this: “The image is on cactus paper. And in 400 years, it hasn’t deteriorated or aged. Second, look at the stars that surround her. They identically match the stars in the winter sky in 1531. When she appeared to Juan Diego, the stars are not in a pattern as we see from Earth, but in a perspective, as if looking down at us from the heavens. Also, look at her eyes. You can see the image of Juan Diego too small and way to detailed to have been painted by any man of that time. Juan is praying. And keep in mind, all this happened in 1531.” In fact, the Lady’s pupil reflects all the witnesses present when Juan revealed the miracle to the bishop.

 

When the Marian apparition appears to Juan Diego, his message is as follows, “My most humble son. I will give you all my love., My compassion, my help, and my protection because I am your merciful mother, the merciful mother of all who live united in this land. Of those who cry to me or those who seek me. Here, will I hear their weeping, their sorrow? I will remedy their sufferings. My son, go and tell the bishop to build a temple here in my honour.”

 

One day, a codex about Juan Diego is delivered to Father Escalada by mail. This is the historical proof of Juan Diego’s existence Martinez needs for his story. Martinez boss at the Latin Voice grabs a paper fresh off the presses with Martinez’s full-page article featuring an image of the Codex proving Juan Diego’s existence. This clinches the promotion Martinez’s has been angling for.

 

The film ends with Martinez being summoned by the doctor. He enters his wife’s room in ICU, but her bed is empty. The final scene shows Martinez visiting the Lady of Guadalupe prayer site with his daughter, who asks, “Are we going to light a candle for mommy?” Just then, her mother appears and hugs them both, saying, “I love you both.” Whether this is a miraculous appearance of her spirit is never explained.

Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe for a Special Request

O Blessed Lady of Guadalupe,

Mother of mercy and comfort,

you who appeared to Saint Juan Diego

with words of hope and love,

wrap me in your mantle of protection.

I come before you with a humble heart,

trusting in your care and compassion.

You know my struggles, my fears, and my dreams.

Today, I place before you this request:

(state your intention here).

Dearest Mother,

intercede for me before your Son,

that I may receive the grace, strength,

and peace I need.

Help me to walk in faith,

to love without measure,

and to trust in God’s perfect timing.

Amen. 🌹

A Christmas Miracle and Brian's Song Will Play Forever

A Christmas Miracle’ Contains More Than One

By Wilbur (Will) Burns

“A Christmas Miracle” is an inspirational drama as heartwarming as the fireplace you curl up near to watch. The script is brilliantly written to draw the characters in to a series of miraculously healing encounters. The female lead Rose Collins {Susan Sarandon} is a lonely mature woman with a penchant for choosing the wrong guy. After a disappointing date with her co-worker, who she rightly spurns as a player, she goes for a solitary walk, when she peers longingly through a window at a Christmas party she longs to join. Unsure who Rose is, the revelers seem to welcome her. She meets Nina Vasquez {Penelope Cruz} in the parlor room and they strike up a conversation about their troubled romances. Rose feels comfortable and at home till she finds all the places filled at the Christmas dinner table. Mortified, she hurriedly makes a dash for it, when she is pursued by Nina, who feels bad for her. Discovering that they both feel out of place, they decide to visit a nearby cafe to commiserate about the hopeless state of their love lives. 

In another scene, Nina stands on the sidewalk when a cop in a patrol car named Mike Reilly offers her a ride. It soon becomes obvious that Mike is motivated by the sexy and ravishing Hispanic beauty rather than Good Samaritan conduct. And who could blame him, especially after Nina’s flirtatious dance back at his apartment, where she enticed him into a tango that makes him late for work. Not surprisingly, a cruise around the block soon turns into a roll in the hay, and the pair find themselves getting serious after the first date. The only problem is that Mike is understandably intensely jealous of other guys ogling Nina or giving her the least sign of attention. So when he drops her off at work, he can’t help noticing the warm embrace she shares with a male co-worker. This prompts him to pay her a visit after work, where he finds her once again in an intimate embrace with the same guy. Unable to control his emotions, Mike pushes Nina’s male companion into the Christmas tree, knocking them both over. Shocked, Nina is infuriated by Mike’s possessiveness and orders him to back off. Recognizing that Mike’s a loose cannon that could easily go off on them again, Nina’s friend confides that he’s gay and makes his exit so the lovers can work things out. Nina insists Mike stop his jealous outbursts and back off. “Give me some space,” she insists, “so I can breathe.” Mike apologizes and makes his exit.

In the next scene, Mike meets his partner at a cafe cum bakery, where they are served by Artie {Alan Arkin}, a senior who seems interested in Mike, and even seems to know his favourite type of cookie. Artie won’t leave him alone and comes begging the next day for ten minutes of Mike’s time, so he can explain his attraction to him. The story soon comes out that Artie recognizes Mike as the reincarnation of his deceased wife. Initially, this is too much for Mike, who ends up telling Artie off. Just then, Mike’s partner shows up with a couple of floozies, but Mike censures him for bad timing, sending them on their way. Blaming Artie unfairly for messing up his relationship with Nina, Mike pushes Artie, who collapses in the street from an apparent heart attack. 

Feeling guilty for hurting the harmless old coot, Mike rushes Artie to emergency at the hospital, where he waits on him in the ICU dotingly till he regains consciousness. While waiting, Artie’s son arrives to check on his father’s condition. Guessing why Mike is there, Artie’s son asks him if his father told Mike he’s the reincarnation of his mother. Then Artie’s son spills the beans on his father’s past. He recounts how his Dad came home to find his mother with another man. Convinced she was having an affair, Artie went off on the guy who ended up falling to his death. Artie was charged with manslaughter over the incident and did time. However, it gets worse. Artie’s wife drove off in a fury and suffered a car accident, where she was pronounced dead at the scene. The son explains how his father can’t let go and blames himself for his wife’s death. Mike appears to have an epiphany, recognizing how dangerously close he is to repeating Artie’s fate. 

Meanwhile, Rose visits her mother, who suffers from dementia, at the hospital. Rose’s mother won’t eat, and no amount of coaxing will get her to eat a morsel. The doctor Matthew confides that he’s worried about Rose’s mother not eating, and insists that, if she doesn’t eat something soon, they’ll be forced to insert a feeding tube. Rose notices a lonely patient in a vegetative condition in the next room. Empathizing with the poor soul, she calls out, “I love you.” She even places a figurine of an angel in the patient’s window. It is then that she notices the patient’s visitor {Robin Williams} seated in a chair. He appears to be touched by Rose’s concern for a complete stranger. 

Rose returns to her mother’s hospital room sometime later with a miniature Christmas tree and some food. But when her mother still refuses to eat and the Christmas tree won’t even light up properly, she pitches the tree in frustration and goes out for a walk. Walking long the riverbank, she walks to the edge and appears perilously close to either falling or jumping in. Just then she notices she has company, the same stranger from the hospital room {Williams}, standing next to her. All alone on Christmas Eve, he invites her to share the evening with him. When he complains about chronic pain in his stomach, she suggests they go back to her place, where she serves him a cup of eggnog. As they converse, he persuades her to let him stay the night to keep her company. They later fall asleep near one another on separate couches. When he attempts to give Rose advice, it’s too close to home and Rose orders him to leave. He calls over his shoulder, “I love you Rose” on the way out. Seeing her mistake, Rose goes after him.

Back at the hospital, Artie comes out of his coma to find Mike standing there. On an impulse, Mike decides to play along as the reincarnation of Artie’s wife. “I forgive you, Artie. It’s over now,” Mike says. This appears to have the intended cathartic effect on Artie. Seeing this, Mike kisses his friend on the forehead and departs, just as Artie’s son returns to check on her father. 

When Rose returns, she finds the doctor with her mother feeding her, something of a miracle in itself. As the doctor feeds the poor dear, he asks her she thinks about him taking Rose out on a date. Overhearing the doctor, Rose asks him if he means it. It is at this point that Rose discovers his name, Matthew, so they are now on a first name basis. When Rose asks her mother what she thinks about her dating the doctor, her mother squeezes her hand tightly, the first sign of genuine communication in months, yet another miracle. 

In another touching scene, Mike and Nina attempt to work things out. Having learned a valuable lesson, Mike vows that he’s changed. He then decides to give Nina time to consider. Over his shoulder he says, “Whatever you decide just be happy. That’s what’s most important to me.” The sincerity of his words appears to touch Nina deeply. The next day she comes to visit him at his apartment. “I came to bring your present,” she said. Holding no gift in her hand, we are left to wonder what the gift is. You’d better watch till the end to find out.   

  ‘Brian’s Song’ Will Play Forever

By Will Burns

If you grew up in the 1970s, you’re sure to remember “Brain’s Song.” It’s a true story about two

teammates with the Chicago Bears. It reminds us that there are no racial or cultural boundaries to love and

friendship. Brain Piccolo {James Caan} and Gale Sayers {Billy Dee Williams} are teammates and best

friends, pushing each other and helping each other succeed as athletes.

When Gale is sidelined by a knee injury, Brian takes over his position as running back. Not happy to be

taking his best friend’s position, Brian feels compelled to assist Gale with physical therapy, training with

him daily till he recovers and gets his position back.

No sooner does Gale recover from his injury than Brian is benched for a decline in performance. Unsure

what the problem is, the coach encourages him to get a medical checkup. The coach soon receives the

news from the doctor and asks Gale to break the news to the team. Gale calls the team into a huddle in the

locker room and confides that Brian is sick and may never play football again. The news hits the Bears

hard, but no one harder than Gale, who fights back tears as he breaks the news.

An operation is scheduled to remove part of Brian’s lung due to the presence of a cancerous tumor. The

doctors are hopeful they’ve caught it in time, and Brian starts dreaming about changing his position to

team punter, thinking it doesn’t require much wind or stamina. No stranger to struggle and adversity,

Brian refuses to throw in the towel. Instead, he looks for an alternative so he can keep his dream of paying

with the Bears alive.

However, the grim truth is that the operation failed to remove all the cancerous issue, and a second

operation is scheduled, presumably to remove most if not all of one lung. Gale and the two wives stay

with Brian in the ICU. Gale attempts to comfort his friend, but can see that Brian is severe pain, a sign

that the cancer is quite advanced and that Brian’s time is short.

When an award ceremony is held, Gale receives an award for the player with the most courage. He is

honoured to receive the award, but talks about his his friend Brian Piccolo is the one most deserving of

the award, as he shows courage 24/7, presumably referring to his battle with cancer, which is around the

clock.

In the film credits, we learn that Brian eventually succumbed to cancer, but that his teammates and friends

do not remember him for how he died, but rather how he lived. This is a man who clung to life till the

very end and celebrated every facet of his life with his adoring wife and three children. It’s a truly

memorable story that stays with you s if Brian was someone you knew. It’s a testimony to James Caan’s

great acting performance that we remember Brian so well.

Warm Spiced Apple Smoothie

 

Recipes for Comfort during the Winter Season

Warm Spiced Apple Smoothie (Renata Richardson)

  Ingredients:

2 small apples or 1 medium apple - no need to peel, just core and dice.

1/2 cup of milk or plant-based

1/2 cup of water

1/4 cup of yogurt, Kefir or Cottage Cheese

1/4 cup of large flake or quick oats

1 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup, honey or coconut sugar

1 tablespoon of hemp hearts, or flax meal (optional)

1 tablespoon of all-natural peanut butter or another nut or seed butter of your choice

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves

a pinch of salt to taste

How It's Made

In a microwave-safe measuring cup or in a small pot on the stove, heat the milk and water until hot, about 1 and a half to 2 minutes in the microwave.

Core and dice the apples, leave the skin on the fibre benefit, they blend in smoothly.

Add the apples and hot milk/water to a blender; a personal-size blender is perfect for this. You can also use a handheld immersion blender, but it may not get as smooth.

Add the remaining ingredients.

Blend until smooth, at least one minute on high.

Pour into a pretty cup or glass and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top. If you are on the go, pour into a thermos-style container to take with you. 

Refrigerate leftover; they are delicious reheated or cold. 

Soft Italian Amaretti Cookies  La Cucina Di Serena 

Overview

These amaretti are tender, chewy, and naturally gluten-free. They use almond flour and whipped egg whites for a light texture, with a hint of citrus and floral almond notes.

Ingredients

2 cups finely ground almond flour

1 cup powdered sugar

2 large egg white

1/2 tsp almond extract

1/4 tsp orange blossom water (optional)

Zest of 1 lemon

Pinch of salt

Extra powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk almond flour, powdered sugar, salt, and lemon zest until evenly combined.

3. Whip egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks. Add almond extract and orange blossom water.

4. Fold gently: Use a spatula to fold the egg whites into the almond mixture until a sticky dough forms.

5. Shape cookies: Scoop 1 tbsp portions, roll into balls, and coat lightly in powdered sugar.

6. Bake: Place on the sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 20–22 minutes until tops crack and edges are set.

7. Cool and store: Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

8.  Tip: These cookies deepen in flavor after 24 hours. Perfect for gifting or pairing with espresso.

Christmas Sugar Sprinkle Cookies  Nonna Clarissa

Overview

These drop-style sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and festive — no rolling or chilling required. Perfect for kids and holiday decorating.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

3. Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in egg, yolk, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Make dough: Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until just combined.

6. Add sprinkles: Fold in sprinkles gently.

7. Scoop and bake: Drop 1 tbsp portions onto a baking sheet. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set.

8. Cool and decorate: Let cool fully. Optionally, drizzle with icing or add more sprinkles.

9. Variation: Add 1/4 tsp peppermint extract for a minty twist, or roll in colored sugar for sparkle.