Written by Fr. Jim Gartland, Cristo Rey Network's Chief Mission Officer 

In a few days, I will be up and running to go celebrate the feast of our lady of Guadalupe with the Cristo Rey Jesuit community here in Chicago. I love the Mass of las mananitas, waking up early to begin the day celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe and the story of St. Juan Diego. This story captures the message of Advent and Christmas and our story, the story of the Cristo Rey Network.

Juan Diego was a poor campesino minding his own business when the Virgen appears to him and asks for his help. The Virgen tells Juanito not to be afraid and lets him know she is his mother and sent by God with a message for Juan. The Virgen gives Juan the mission of asking the bishop to build a new Church that would be open to all people, and place where people could come and receive the help and comfort of the Virgen. Juan was confused. Why would God ask him, a poor campesino, to go and convince the bishop to build a new and inclusive Church? God chooses the unlikely, people like Juan Diego, people like you and me, to do great things. We know with God, all is possible.

Juan Diego obeys the Virgen of Guadalupe and visits the bishop with the message to build a new Church. Juan’s faith and perseverance kept him knocking on the bishop’s door. Through a series of miracles, the healing of Juan’s uncle, roses blooming in the winter, and the image of the Virgen of Guadalupe embedded on Juan’s poncho, the bishop comes to believe. A new church is built where all are welcome to come and experience God’s presence, comfort, and healing through the intercession of the Virgen of Guadalupe.

This season is one of embracing Emmanuel, God being with us. With God, all is possible. This season we welcome anew the presence of Jesus. We experience Jesus’ mercy and love and hear his call to help bring His light and compassion to our world today.

We have been sent to build new schools in the Cristo Rey Network, places where our student and families come to know Jesus and experience His love and mercy. In the miracle of our schools, students discover the sanctity and dignity of their lives and become aware of their potential. With Jesus, we go where the need is great and offer our students and their families a Cristo Rey education that helps them live lives of dignity.

I still see myself as insignificant and an unlikely disciple. Perhaps you do also. Yet I continue to see the presence of God in all of you and all who are part of the Cristo Rey Network. I continue to hear the call of Christ to come and lend a hand to the building of his kingdom. My call is deepened by your willingness to come along and help. With God and together, all is possible. Thank you for your love and commitment that have helped build the Cristo Rey Network. Merry Christmas and Viva Cristo Rey!