Miracle of the Roses by Octavio Ocampo is a depiction of the culmination of the story of Our Lady of Guadeloupe, the Virgin Mary. In the days of the conquest of Central America, and near the place where Mexico City would one-day stand, there was a small village. Now it came to pass that the Bishop of the village wanted to build a cathedral in honor of the Virgin Mary, but neither the Bishop nor the other leaders knew where the site of the cathedral should be. Most of the villagers were the native inhabitants of Central America, they lived in poverty and were treated little better than slaves. But one among them, who was called Juan Diego, was a very devout man and served God to the best of his abilities. One day while working in the fields, he met a beautiful lady who seemed to have a warmth and radiance about her. When he came closer, she spoke to him and said, "Go to the Bishop and tell him that I wish the church he would dedicate to me to be built on this spot." Bowing respectfully, Juan Diego immediately set off to see the Bishop, but being busy, the Bishop was only able to see him after several days. After Juan was finally ushered into the Bishop's presence, he proceeded to describe what he had seen and tell the Bishop the message that was given to him. The Bishop thought that Juan was crazy and had him thrown out. Juan Diego returned to the spot where he had met the lady and there she appeared to him a second time. "Go again to the Bishop and tell him that I wish the church be built on this spot," she spoke. Juan again returned and asked for an audience with the Bishop. This time after a much longer wait he was again brought before the Bishop. After Juan had recounted his second meeting with the lady, the Bishop said, ?If it is the Virgin, who speaks with you, then bring me some proof of this!" For the third time Juan returned to the spot where he had met the Virgin, and again she appeared to him. He proceeded to tell her that the Bishop wanted some proof from him to show that he really spoke to her. Now at this time there were no roses in the New World, and it was the middle of December. But when the Virgin placed her hand on the earth, roses suddenly grew and bloomed in moments. Juan took the roses and piled them in the front of his tabard, and rushed off to the Bishop. Pictured in Octavio Ocampo's painting Miracle of the Roses is the culminating scene of this story where Juan Diego comes into the Bishop's presence bearing the proof from the Virgin. He lets go of his tabard showering the astonished Bishop with roses, only to find that the symbol of the Madonna is now indelibly marked on the front of his tabard. His tabard can still be seen in the cathedral that was built to honor the Virgin. Available in 3 sizes - see drop down box for pricing. Whether you buy it for yourself or give it as a gift, you will love this reminder of God's goodness and unfailing love. It makes a great way to share your faith and anyone who receives it will treasure it.

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