A Little Friday Spice for Our Beautiful Lady

When most of us think of our Lady of Guadalupe, we think it must be some sort of Mexican celebration. That would be true, but that’s not where it ends. Did you know that our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas? That would be all of the Americas – from South America through Central America and North America.

Throughout the Americas many of the Catholic Churches have either a statue or painting depicting our Lady of Guadalupe. This is especially true in Spanish speaking communities. The Novena to Our Lady would have begun nine days ago. As with all visions, while the Church, after extensive scrutiny, may elect to recognize such an event or series of events to be true, no Catholic is under an obligation to believe. While hundreds of Marian apparitions have been reported, only a small number of those have received approval. In May of 2024 the Vatican changed the rules governing what it would take to recognize an event as authentic. Under the new rules the Vatican rather than local bishops would be the ones to give final approval of an apparition. Although the diocesan Bishop remains responsible for gathering facts and detailing the investigation, the Vatican must now be consulted for the final approval. This change has met with both approval and disapproval among the faithful as well as the bishops themselves. I myself have mixed feelings, but then the Hippie in me tends to buck under authoritarian rule.

The story of our Lady of Guadalupe is both beautiful and moving. I for one believe. Mary is very close to my heart. She points to her Son while also revealing the importance of women in the story of salvation. I am proud to be a woman. Throughout my faith-filled journey not once have I been made to feel inferior to men. We each have our roles, our strengths, our contributions. I don’t feel the need to have women ordained as Priest. Funny, you never hear of a push to have men become nuns. I suspect that’s because those doing the pushing feel roles reserved exclusively to women are somehow less important. I’d like to see a man give birth to the Son of God. Just saying.

Wishing all a very blessed and beautiful Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe.

Black Bean Burritos
1/4 Yellow Onion
1/2 small Red Bell Pepper
3 small Jalapeño Peppers
Handful Cilantro
2 (15 oz) can Black Beans
2 tablespoons Spicy Olive Oil, divided
1/2 cup Mexican Melting Cheese Blend
6 (10 inch) Flour Tortillas
Sour Cream
Guacamole

Peel and dice onion. Core, seed and dice bell pepper. Stem Jalapeños, mince. Snip the cilantro. Rinse and drain black beans, set aside.

In a skillet heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers and jalapeños. Cook, stirring often, for about 3 minutes, until softened.

Stir in the beans, continue to cook until heated through, about 3 minutes or so, mashing some of the beans while leaving most whole. Scatter the cheese over the mixture. Stir until the cheese has melted into the beans. Scatter cilantro over the bean filling. Cover and keep warm over very low heat.

In a flat skillet or tortilla pan, warm tortillas. Stack on a plate. Working with one tortilla at a time, place a quarter of the filling down the center, leaving the edge exposed. Fold tortilla over the filling, tuck in the ends and continue to roll. Set aside, seam-side down. Repeat until all the tortillas are filled.

Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in the skillet, grill burritos on all sides until the outside is golden brown and crisp.

Serve burritos garnished with sour cream and guacamole alongside Mexican Rice. And let’s not forget the margaritas!

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Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God,
above all the women on earth;
and blessed be the LORD God,
the creator of heaven and earth.