Juan Diego

Birth

Jul 12, 1474

Although it isn't actually confirmed, it is believed that Juan Diego was born on July 12, 1474 in a small indian village named Cuautitlán. His birth name was Cuauhtlatoatzin which means talking eagle in his native language of Nahuatl.

Spanish Conquest of Mexico

Jan 1, 1521

In 1521, he witnessed the Spanish conquest of Mexico by Hernán Cortés. After this he saw the first of the Franciscan missionaries move to Mexico City.

Baptism

Jan 1, 1524

He and his wife welcomed the missionaries and were of the first to be baptized in 1524, which is also when he received his Christian name of Juan Diego.

Daily Walks

Dec 9, 1531

While doing his daily walk past Tepeyac Hill, Diego claims that he heard birds chirping and his name being called. According to legend, he saw a woman who resembled the Aztec princess, completely surrounded by light. The fourteen year old woman spoke to Diego in his native tongue and addressed him as “Xocoyte”, which means little son. She asked him to go to the Bishop of Mexico; a Franciscan named Juan de Zumárraga, and asked him to have a shrine built on the place where she stood.

Diego's Visit

Dec 10, 1531

Later that night Diego returned and said the Bishop was skeptical and wanted a sign. The Virgin then told Diego to return the next day for a sign. After some trouble, Diego is convinced and goes to the spot at Tepeyac Hill. Diego found roses from the region of Castille in Spain, former home of bishop Zumárraga. Diego then went to the Bishop.

Converts

Period: Dec 10, 1531 to Jan 1, 1538

About 8 million people converted to the Catholic faith all across the Americas.

Death

May 30, 1548

At the age of 73, Juan Diego died a hermit.