29 The Song of Tepeyac But it was necessary that the maternal kiss of the Virgin Mary should breathe into the soil of America—virginal and beautiful as a paradise— so that our country would have a soul and a vigor that comes from heaven and would show its splendid youth to the world and would fulfill its providential mission in history. It was here that the mystery of love and life was realized on a day like this. Today we imitate the Church who, in commemorating each year the unforgettable night of Holy Thursday, dares to say, “On the day before he was to suffer for our salvation and the salvation of all, that is today, he took bread in his holy and venerable hands.” We too can say, “that is today!” And why not? What are four centuries to an immortal spirit, to supernatural faith, to triumphant love? Today on this undying hill the loving mystery is realized. Looking back through the centuries, contemplate with the enlightened eyes of your heart the sweetest scene, bathed in the light of the heavens, perfumed with the fragrance of roses, filled with the incomparable harmony of a celestial voice. At the radiant dawn, on the immortal hill, we see a man covered with a coarse tilma and a lady of heavenly beauty: very pure, because she is a Virgin; sweet, because she is a Mother; majestic, because she has a glimmer of God. The man, Juan Diego, represents Mexico, Spanish
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