The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-02-26

All cI I1CIC O11 3ACA4SO pRHCd4 CO not long ago in 'The Leader" a Canadian newspaper, parts of which We reprint. It was written by Waterbury teacher, Miss Mar tha E. Corr, of AIS East Main street, former teacher in the local schools. In it Miss Corr expresses her appreciation of a country whose economic, religious and educational outlook at this time, appears more promising than since the days oi Don Porfirio Diaz, according to au- thorities on the Mexican situation through many stormy years. Miss Corr has devoted considerable time to travel and study of the life and conditions in the countries which she has visited. The article in question discusses the beauties ot Mexico, which aboundS in na- tural attractions. Her article is timely for there is much hope at the present time in Mexico's future under the new president, Manuel Avila Camacho. In short, with an anti Communist president, condi- tions as to religious persecution may be abated, and this country of such beauty as described by Miss Corr, it's examples of pure Spanish art, the carvings in the historic churches, the sculptures, and so on, should be a welcome vacation land under happier conditions than have heretofore existed.
 Mexican Legends
 Miss Corr,s article begins with a discussion and description of some of the old Mexican legends. She writes: Mexico is exceedingly rich in legends and traditions which have come down through the cen- turies that were dominated in Suc- cession by the Toltecs, the Aztecs and the Spaniards. Legends are powerful stories, coming dowr from the past. They pass from one generation to another ano as they grow older they become more interesting and assume the es- sence of truth rather than fiction but whether true or fanciful, leg ends are always delightful and give a romantic touch to districts aSso- ciated with them. Like a magnet they draw people to certain places
 "The most widely known legend is the one connected with the Vir- gin of Guadalupe, the patroness o1 the Republic of Mexico" Miss Corr then relates the story of the legend that goes back four hundred year: when the Indian, Juan Diego,a say the vision of the Blessed Virgin patroness of Indian, poor and i'll. When the Indian reported his sto,
 to the archbishop, he asked for { token, and as the story goes ane related by Miss Corr, Juan walked to the hill where he saw the Virgin again. He described to her his meeting and conversation with the archbishop. I will give you token. she said, to take to him. Go and pick some roses from the hillside. Juan Diego was surprised for noth- ing grew on the arid hillside, but scattered cactus plants. Suddenly he beheld roses blooming on the barren soil and he gathered a bunch of them and carried them in his mantle or serape to the archbishop When he opened it all the roses dropped to the ground and, lol his eyes fell on the picture of Our Lady painted on his mantle. The prelate no longer doubted the veracity of Juan and he at once made plans for a church to be built in the very spot requested by the Virgin. Today this church is known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the miracle picture of Juan's serape car be seen in a frame-like altar piece which was especially designed. ... Magnificent Edifice
 Miss Corr's story continues des- cribing the number that visit this shrine from all over the world. She writes: "The church is magnificent structure of a pleasing architecture design You are deeply impressed by the miracles that have beer recorded through the intercessior of Our Lady and by crowds of de- vout worshippers whom you see al around you spent an entire morn ing in this church studying the beauties of the interior and the people who came to pray. The inter- for is adorned elaborately with gold silver, and precious stones, gifts oi wealthy Spaniards in the days gone by. The altar railing is of silver, metal that is found in huge quanti- ties in mines nearby. The altai background and canopy is of gold leaf in the very ornate Churri- gueresque style. Fine paintings by Well-known artiSts adorn the walls The sanctuary looked like a heav. enly garden for the choicest blooms that Mexico produces were har' moniousiy arranged in relation te color and size.
 "A side chapel has remarkable ceiling profusely decorated with l. 04th Inch Of ie carat gold. Leading from this chapel is the Healing Room where people who are iil or troubled in spirit may be seen ir prayer. Tho walls Of this room arc linA9 with flneiy AgefDied rPi9bins individual tokens of appreciA. ton for fayers granted, Lighted tapors of hll sizes. some quite ola- borate Ia style, were placed in re'