Compilation of Principles
- MPadilla
- Aug 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Below is the 29th in the August Catholic Social Teaching series: Compilation of Principles
In the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe we have a remarkable compilation of all of the seven principles of Catholic Social Justice. Even apart from the image itself the story of Juan Diego and his experience with her was responsible for thousands of conversions to Christianity as an expression of God’s designs and justice.
Teresita Scully, MTS
“The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a powerful example of the universal message of salvation through Jesus Christ, delivered to a particular people at a particular time and place in a manner that spoke to them concretely through their culture; and notably, was delivered not to a king or a ruler but to a lowly peasant.”
One of the most evident ways in which Our Lady of Guadalupe is an icon of justice is the care and sensitivity with which she reached out to the marginalized members of 16th century Mexican society.
"Commitment to human life and dignity, to human rights and solidarity"; these are elements of what is commonly understood as social justice. In the Church today we have numerous "icons" we can look to in order to guide us in living a life that promotes justice. Maximillian Kolbe, Oscar Romero, Saint Mother Teresa and Dorothy Day are a few of the better known members of the community of justice. There is another that we can and should begin looking to: Our Lady of Guadalupe.
"She teaches us that evangelization is not most effectively served when we impose our cultural ways as if they were intrinsic to the Gospel, but when we creatively announce the Gospel with the cultural context of faith," said Johnston echoing the words of Father Virgil Elizondo, professor of Pastoral and Hispanic Theology at the University of Notre Dame.
“Marian apparitions—extraordinary encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary—have played a significant role in deepening Marian devotion among Catholics for centuries. These reported appearances, accompanied by miraculous signs and profound messages, often emerge during pivotal moments in history, offering spiritual guidance and reassurance. From the hills of Lourdes to the quiet town of Fatima, Marian apparitions continue to inspire millions worldwide, serving as both a sign of God’s care and an invitation to greater faith.”
My personal note:
As Catholics we have a special relationship with Mary. We venerate her. I personally refer to her as “Mother Mary.”
My mother was extremely devoted to praying to Mary for her intercession and protection for her family. I am not sure, but I believed her devotion may have begun, or at least, intensified, when she was in labor with me. Doctors told my dad that there was nothing they could do to save either one of us. Mom was unconscious but aware of what was being said by the doctors. At that point, Mary appeared to my mother as Our Lady of Miracles. She asked Mary to save my life. Not hers, but mine. We were both saved. Hence my name, Milagros, is in honor of Mary interceding to Jesus for our and saving both our lives. So yes, I refer to Mary as Mother Mary because she is my mother, ("When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!'. Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!’" (Jn 19:26-27).
I encourage you to watch the Compilation of Principles video here
Millie Padilla
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