Church Partnership Newsletter December 2014 | Page 3

Within 2 years, the Jews had driven the Syrians out of Jerusalem. Judah Maccabee told his supporters to reclaim
the Holy Temple, rebuild the altar and light the menorah; which was to be kept burning every night of the
rededication ceremony. Unfortunately, there was only enough oil for one night, but the flame burned for 8 nights,
allowing time to prepare a fresh supply of oil.
The celebration revolves around the lighting of the menorah (hanukkiyah) after sundown while reciting prayers.
The 9th candle, helper (shamash) is used to light the others, which are lit from left to right. The menorah is
displayed in a window to remind others of the miracle that inspired the holiday.
To pay homage to the miracle, foods prepared in oil, such as potato pancakes (latkes) and jam filled donuts
(sufganiyst) are served. Another custom is to play with dreidels, exchange gifts, and/or to be charitable.
Virgin of Guadalupe
December 9, 1531, a newly converted Mexican Christian, Juan Diego, saw an apparition
of a woman, identifying herself as the Virgin Mary, who asked for a church to be built in
her honor. Diego told the Bishop Juan de Zumárraga what had taken place, but the
Bishop didn't believe him. Diego returned to the Virgin, telling her she needed to pick
another messenger because his message was refused. She told Diego she had chosen
correctly, and sent him back to the Bishop.
December 10, Juan Diego went back to the Bishop, retelling his story. Diego was told to
bring evidence of what he saw. The Bishop didn't fully trust Diego, so he had two men
follow him. After losing track of Diego, the men returned to the Bishop and told him
Diego was a fraud and deserved to be punished. Meanwhile Diego met with the Virgin,
telling her about the Bishop's request. She told Diego to come back to visit her the
following day. When Diego returned home, he found his uncle had fallen ill. Instead of
going back to visit the Virgin on December 11, he spent his time finding a doctor for his uncle. The doctor informed
Diego that his uncle was too sick to be saved.
December 12, Diego went to find a priest. He tried to avoid going near the site where the Virgin was 1st seen, but
the Virgin came looking for him and asked him what was wrong. Seeing the sorrow in Diego, she reassured him
that his uncle was healed. Diego asked the Virgin for a sign to give to the Bishop. She directed him to a barren
hilltop where he was surprised by the sight of flowers. He picked them and returned to the Virgin, who arranged
the flowers in his cloak.
When Diego arrived to see the Bishop, the guards wouldn't allow him to pass. The guards tried taking the flowers
from his cloak, but were unsuccessful. At last, Diego was able to tell the Bishop what had taken place with the
Virgin and then opened his cloak. All the flowers fell to the floor revealing the image of the Virgin. Everyone in the
room fell to their knees in praise.
After returning home, Diego's uncle, now a healthy man, said he was visited by a woman who identified herself as
“the Perfect Virgin Holy Mary of Guadalupe". The day after Christmas, the church construction was completed, and
as the people of Mexico heard of the miracle, they converted to Christianity.
Today, the miracle has sparked one of the largest celebrations in Mexico, which takes place on December 12.
Many make the pirgramiage to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, arriving by foot, bicycle, and even on their
knees to show devotion and gratitude. After morning mass, some pilgrims offer their crafts of singing and dancing
to the Virgin Mary until early the next morning when firecrackers are lit concluding the celebration.
Resources: http://www.guadalupecelebration.com/gc/en/story/index.html, http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/hanukkah,
http://www.history.com/topics/christmas