Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1886-09-17
A MExICAN'S SHRINE.
Tho Poetic Tradition Connected with tn,
Church of the Virgin OF GuadaIupe.

Tho Poetic Tradition Connected with the
Church of the Virgin OF Guadalupe.
Guadalupe is tho holiest shrine in
MexSo. 1t is tho scene Of tradition
that is never doubted for an instant by
the people. In 1881 the Virgin ap-
peared one evening to poor peon,
Juan Diego, and told hint to go to some
wealthy man and say it was her will
that church be built on that spot.
The Indian in great fright obeyed her
command, but the wealthy fellow re-
fused to put credence in the incredulous
story, SO the peon returned and told the
Virgin, who was still there, of his fail
ure. She told him to return and show
his tilma (apron) as proof. The amazed
fellow did so. and the light disclosed
the picture Of the Virgin painted on the
apron. Still the unbeliever doubted,
ami the Virgin sent for the third time
II bunch OF fresh roses, such as never
before grew in this country The inf
del took the flowers, and the picture OF
the Virgin fell from tho heart of rose.
He was convinced, and built large
church on the spot where the Virgin
appeared.
The church is fine one. decorated
with statues, paintings and gold The
silver railing weighs twenty-SiX tons,
and is composed of metal composite
The church authorities have received
numerous offers for this rich relic
Some persons desired to replace the
railing with one of solid silver, but this
bargain was not accepted. Diego's
apron is above the altar in q frame.
On 1t is painted a picture of the Virgin.
but, to say the very least. 1t was not
drawn by masters hand. The bunch
of roses, which, they claim, never
fades, is also shown in glass vase.
and is gazed on with reverence by tho
believers
1t is the common belief that any,
thing asked of the Virgin Of Guadalupe
is granted. | have seJn people pray
with their hands outstretched, and
after awhile murmur, "Gracious. gra.
cious," and get up as if the favor had
been received. Women oft-times
kiss the floor when they think they
have received mercy at the hands of
their dear saint. Near the door are
hundreds Of rude oil paintings repre-
senting scenes in which the Virgin has
saved the lives of people. One man
fell from a second-story window, and
by murmuring the Virgins name es.
capped uninjured, Another was not
crushed to death, although his horse
ffell on him. One was released from
prison, many from fatal sickness, and
hundreds of canes and crutches in tho
corner testify to the many who have
been healed,
A little green plaza, filed with tall
trens, beautiful flowers and flowing
fountains. separates the Church Of tho
Virgin of Guadalupe from another,
which, in order to have some attrac-
tion. boasts of well in the vestibuie.
which is ever boiling up its muddy
water. The water cures any disease,
so they say, and at any time crowd is
found around its magic brim filling
jars, bottles and pitchers to take home.
or supping from the copper bowl that
Is chained t. the iron bars that cover
the well. Very few can suppress the
look of disgust when they try to swal.
low the vile stuff with the all-healine
qualities. Or, Rtts5Urgi Dispatch.