The Woman and the Promise

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the true God through whom we live, you came to a poor man on a barren hill and left your image upon his cloak so that we would know your love. You are our Mother; we are in the crossing of your arms. Hear us as we begin these days of prayer, and let your tender words echo in our hearts: Am I not here, I who am your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Holy Mary of Guadalupe, pray for us. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel.

From the very first page of the story, God promised a Woman whose Son would crush the ancient enemy. On the hill of Tepeyac, that promise took a face the poor could recognize - the moon beneath her feet, the serpent broken. The Mother who comes to us at Guadalupe is the same Mother promised at the beginning of the world.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, woman foretold from the dawn of time, you came to crush fear and despair beneath your gentle feet. Stand between me and everything that would harm me, and lead me to your Son who has already won the victory. Teach me to trust the promise that does not fail. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Empress of the Americas, you promised your help and protection to all who call upon you. Gather into your loving arms the intention I have carried through these days, and present it to your Son, who can refuse you nothing. Make me an apostle of your love, as Juan Diego was, carrying your tenderness to everyone I meet. Holy Mother of God, pray for us, now and always. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.