St. Juan Diego

St. Juan Diego

Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin is the Indigenous lay saint associated with Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Life
1474–1548
Canonized
2002

Life and vocation

The Church’s account places the apparitions at Tepeyac in December 1531. Juan Diego carried Mary’s request for a shrine to the bishop. Details of his earlier life are less well documented.

Faith in action

He later lived near the chapel, caring for it and welcoming pilgrims. His place in the Guadalupe tradition connects prayer, humble service and the encounter of the Gospel with Indigenous peoples in Mexico.

For readers in the United States

For readers in the United States, this collection includes Elizabeth Ann Seton and Kateri Tekakwitha alongside saints from other parts of the world. Follow the United States calendar for local observances.

This biography is not a liturgical reading. For the observances in your area, consult the local calendar and your diocese.

Explore the local liturgical calendar →Daily Catholic Quotes →

Sources and further reading

Sources checked:

Image credit

Miguel Cabrera · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain. Images resized for this page; social previews are cropped and include text.

Related saints

Carry a little inspiration into your day

Read Bible verses and words from the saints in Catholic Daily.