December 12 is an important day for Mexican Catholics. It is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. An excellent summary of the history of this feast, including a little insight into the internal politics of organized Catholicism, can be found in this linked column by Maria Elena Salinas for the Arizona Daily Star.
Even if you know nothing at all about the Nuestra SeƱora de Guadalupe, you have undoubtedly seen her image on a plaque, blanket or tattoo. As far as popularity goes, the Virgin of Guadalupe is big. Really big. Bigger than . . . Oprah.
Have you ever imagined living in Mexico? If so, or if you are just looking for a book that will help you escape the cold reality of winter, check out On Mexican Time by Tony Cohan. In this well-written memoir, Mr. Cohan chronicles the journey he and his wife undertook out of the fast lane in California and into a new life in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. It is a very, very nice read.