October 17, 2025 • 35 mins
A Marian encounter in Tlaxcala brings burning trees that do not consume and a spring that heals, set amid conquest, epidemic, and a people searching for hope. We trace witness accounts, early Franciscan discernment, the rise of a shrine and basilica, and the enduring call to mercy and conversion.
• Tlaxcala’s turbulent context after the Spanish conquest
• Juan Diego Bernardino’s vision and guidance to a hidden spring
• Burning ocote trees as a sign of purification and hope
• Reports of healing and the spread of pilgrimage
• Franciscan investigation and prudential discernment
• Construction of the first shrine and later Baroque basilica
• Legends of the statue and its role in devotion
• Ecclesial approval and papal recognition anchoring the devotion
• Invitation to deepen faith through pilgrimage and resources
Visit our website today and let Journeys of Faith guide you to a deeper connection with the divine
Marian Apparitions Collection at Journeys of Faith Online Shop
Open by Steve Bailey
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:00):
Welcome to Journeys of Faith.
Brother Joseph Frey Aldenhovenhere.
Be sure to click the link in thedescription for the full
article.
Our Lady of Ocotlan, the miracleof the burning trees and healing
waters.
In the heart of Mexico, wherefaith weaves through the fabric
of everyday life, a story ofdivine intervention burns
(00:20):
bright, a tale of mystery,miracles, and a mother's
boundless love.
Welcome to the sacred ground ofOcotlan, a place where the
heavens reportedly touched theearth in the 16th century,
leaving behind a legacy of hopethat still draws pilgrims from
across the globe.
At Journeys of Faith, we'rehonored to share the
(00:41):
awe-inspiring account of OurLady of Ocotlan, a Marian
apparition tied to inexplicablewonders like burning trees that
refuse to be consumed andhealing waters that defy
explanation.
For over four decades since Boband Penny Lord founded our
ministry in 1980, Journeys ofFaith has been a beacon for
Catholic Christians seekingdeeper spiritual connection
(01:04):
through pilgrimages andeducational resources.
Our mission is to illuminate thepower of faith from Eucharistic
miracles to the lives of saints,and stories like that of Our
Lady of Okotlan embody thetransformative grace we strive
to share.
Whether you're joining us on apilgrimage diving into our books
or exploring our digitaldownloads, we invite you to walk
(01:26):
this journey of reverence anddiscovery with us.
The events surrounding Our Ladyof Okutline aren't just
historical footnotes, they're aliving testament to the divine,
a reminder of the miracles thatcan unfold when faith is
unwavering.
Picture this a humble Franciscanfriar, a desperate plea for
healing amid a devastatingepidemic and a vision of the
(01:48):
Blessed Virgin Mary that wouldchange the course of a community
forever.
This isn't merely a story, it'sa call to reflect on the
mysteries that shape ourbeliefs.
So let's step into the sacredpast of O Cotlin, where burning
trees and healing waters whisperof a mother's eternal care, and
let this tale inspire your ownjourney of faith with journeys
of faith.
(02:14):
Marian apparitions, media anditems.
Let's step back into theturbulent, transformative world
of 16th century Tlaxcala, aplace caught in the crucible of
conquest and faith.
This wasn't just a sleepy cornerof Mesoamerica.
Tlaxcala was a fierceindependent state, a patchwork
of indigenous power that hadlong resisted the iron grip of
(02:38):
the Aztec Empire.
By the time Hernan Cortez andhis band of conquistadors rolled
in around 1519, the Tlaxcalanswere battle hardened, skeptical
of outsiders, but alsopragmatic.
They saw in the Spaniards notjust invaders but potential
allies against their oldenemies, the Aztecs, so they
struck a deal, a tenuous, uneasyalliance that would reshape
(03:02):
their world fast forward a fewdecades to 1541, the year tied
to the miraculous events of OurLady of Ocotlan.
Tlaxcala was no longer just anindigenous stronghold, it was a
land in flux, wrestling with thecollision of two civilizations.
The Spanish had brought theirswords, their language, and most
(03:22):
indelibly, their faith.
Catholicism was spreading likewildfire, often layered over
ancient beliefs in a complex,sometimes painful syncretism.
Franciscan friars roamed theregion, building missions,
baptizing thousands, andpreaching a gospel that promised
salvation but often demandedcultural surrender.
For the Tlaxcalen people, thiswas a time of profound loss, but
(03:46):
also of adaptation.
Old gods whispered in theshadows while the cross rose
over new churches.
Yet life wasn't just spiritualupheaval, disease brought by the
Europeans ravaged the nativepopulation, smallpox and other
illnesses tore throughcommunities, leaving grief and
desperation in their wake.
(04:07):
It's against this backdrop ofconquest, conversion, and
catastrophe that the story ofOur Lady of Okotlan emerges.
A land scarred by suffering wasripe for a sign, a moment of
divine intervention that couldbridge the old and the new,
offering hope to a people caughtin the grind of history.
(04:28):
Join us on a journey of faithwith Our Lady of Ocotlan.
Hey there, fellow seekers of thedivine, at Journeys of Faith,
we're not just about reading thestories of miracles like Our
Lady of Ocotlan, we're aboutliving them.
Since Bob and Penny Lord startedthis mission in 1980, we've been
guiding souls like yours onpilgrimages that transform,
(04:49):
inspire, and connect you to theheart of Catholic spirituality,
ready to dive deeper into themysteries of faith.
Here's how you can join us.
Embark on a pilgrimage, walk thesacred paths where miracles
unfolded, feel the presence ofOur Lady of Akutland and
countless other wonders on oneof our guided journeys, and
explore our resources frombest-selling books like This Is
(05:11):
My Body, This Is My Blood todigital downloads, statues, and
prayer cards.
We've got the tools to enrichyour spiritual life, deepen your
faith, engage with our mediacontent, TV series, articles,
and more to uncover the lives ofsaints and the power of
Eucharistic miracles.
Connect with community.
Join a network of believerspassionate about spiritual
growth and the beauty ofCatholic tradition.
(05:33):
Take the leap.
Visit our website today and letJourneys of Faith guide you to a
deeper connection with thedivine.
The apparition to JuanBernardino.
In the quiet hills of Tlazcala,Mexico in 1541, a humble
indigenous man named Juan DiegoBernardino walked through a
(05:53):
landscape scarred by drought anddespair.
The land was parched, the peopledesperate for relief, and Juan,
a recent convert toChristianity, carried the weight
of his community suffering onhis weary shoulders.
It was here, amidst thedesolation, that the divine
broke through the mundane with avision that would alter the
course of history.
(06:14):
As the story goes, Juan wastrudging along a path near
Ocotlan when a radiant figureappeared before him, a woman of
unearthly beauty, cloaked in amantle of stars, her presence a
balm to his weary soul.
She spoke with a tenderness thatcut through the silence of the
arid hills, identifying herselfas the Virgin Mary, the mother
of God.
(06:34):
Her words were not mere comfort,they carried a mission.
She directed Juan to a hiddenspring, a source of water that
would heal not just the body butthe spirit of those who sought
it.
This was no ordinary encounter,it was a celestial intervention,
a moment where the veil betweenheaven and earth seemed to tear
open, revealing a glimpse ofeternal compassion.
(06:55):
But the apparition wasn't justabout a spring.
The Virgin Mary also pointedJuan toward a grove of Okote
trees, instructing him towitness a sign.
When he arrived he found one ofthe trees engulfed in flames,
yet unconsumed, a burning bushof the new world echoing the
miracles of old.
Within this fiery mystery animage of the Virgin would later
(07:17):
be discovered, etched into thewood, a tangible relic of her
presence.
This was no mere vision.
It was a call to faith, achallenge to believe in the
impossible.
For Juan, a man of simple meansand profound trust, this
encounter became the cornerstoneof a devotion that would ripple
through generations.
The weight of this moment cannotbe overstated.
(07:39):
Juan Bernardino, an unassumingfigure in a colonized land,
became a conduit for a messageof hope.
His story passed down throughoral tradition and later
documented by the church, standsas a testament to the power of
the divine to speak through thehumblest among us.
(08:41):
Tasked with fetching water froma nearby river for his ailing
community, stricken by adevastating small smallpox
epidemic, Juan Diego's journeytook a turn into the realm of
the miraculous.
As he approached a grove ofOcoat trees, a vision of
breathtaking beauty halted himin his tracks.
There, amidst the rugged barkand piny scent stood the Blessed
(09:04):
Virgin Mary, radiant and serene,her presence a balm to his weary
soul.
She spoke to him with atenderness that belied the
gravity of her words, directinghim to a hidden spring of water
with healing properties, adivine remedy for the suffering
of his people.
But this was no mere vision ofcomfort, it was a prelude to a
(09:27):
sign that would sear itself intothe memory of all who witnessed
it.
The ocote trees, dry and brittleunder the Mexican sun, suddenly
erupted into flames, yet in adefiance of nature's cruel logic
they were not consumed.
The fire danced across theirbranches, a celestial display of
power and mercy, leaving thetrees unscathed as if touched by
(09:49):
an unseen hand.
This was no ordinary blaze, itwas a testament, a beacon of
hope for a community on thebrink of despair.
The burning of coat trees becamea symbol of divine intervention,
a reminder that even in thedarkest of times the light of
faith could shine unquenched.
Juan Diego, awestruck andhumbled, followed the Virgin's
guidance to the hidden spring.
(10:09):
The waters as promised carried agrace beyond comprehension.
Those who drank or bathed inthem found relief from the
ravages of smallpox, theirbodies and spirits renewed by a
force that transcended earthlymedicine.
Word of the miracle spread likewildfire, drawing pilgrims and
skeptics alike to the sight,each seeking a glimpse of the
(10:29):
sacred, a touch of the divine.
This event tied so closely tothe apparition of Our Lady of
Ocotlan stands as a powerfulchapter in the story of faith in
Mexico.
It's a narrative not just ofhealing but of resilience, a
reminder that miracles oftenemerge from the ashes of
suffering, burning brightagainst the odds, discovery of
(10:52):
the healing spring.
In the heart of Tlaxcala,Mexico, where the air hums with
the whispers of ancient faith, amiracle unfolded in 1541 that
would forever etch the story ofOur Lady of Ocatlan into the
annals of Catholic devotion.
Juan Diego Bernardino, a humblenative of the region, trudged
(11:14):
through the scorched landscape,his heart heavy with the weight
of a devastating smallpoxepidemic that had ravaged his
people.
The land itself seemed to mournits trees reduced to charred
skeletons after a mysteriousfire.
Yet amid this desolation,something extraordinary was
(11:38):
about to happen, a divineintervention that would ripple
through generations.
As Juan Diego ventured into aravine near the village, guided
by an inexplicable pull, hebeheld a vision that defied all
earthly logic.
There, standing radiant andserene was the Blessed Virgin
Mary, her presence a balm to hisweary soul.
(11:59):
She spoke with a tenderness thatpierced the silence of the
ravaged land, directing him to ahidden spring.
Drink of this water, sheinstructed, her voice a melody
of hope, and bring it to yourpeople.
It will heal them.
Skepticism might have gripped alesser man, but Juan Diego,
(12:20):
steeped in faith, obeyed withouthesitation.
He dipped his hands into thecool, clear water, and as he
carried it back to theafflicted, the impossible became
reality.
Those who drank or were anointedwith the water began to recover,
their bodies mending as iftouched by a divine hand.
A word of the healing springspread like wildfire drawing the
(12:41):
sick and the desperate from farand wide.
The once barren ravinetransformed into a place of
pilgrimage, a sacred groundwhere the faithful could kneel
before the mystery of God'smercy.
The water, believed to beblessed by our lady of Okatlan
herself, became a tangible signof her intercession, a reminder
(13:02):
that even in the darkest oftimes hope could bubble up from
the earth itself.
This was no mere folklore.
It was a testament to the powerof belief, a story etched into
the very soil of Tlaxcala,waiting to be rediscovered by
every pilgrim who dares to seekit.
(13:24):
Our Lady's message of mercy andconversion.
When the Blessed Virgin appearedto Juan Diego Bernardino in
(13:47):
1541, her presence wasn't just aspectacle of divine power, it
was a personal invitation.
She didn't come with thunder orjudgment, but with a mother's
quiet urgency, pointing himtoward a hidden spring of
healing water.
That gesture alone speaksvolumes.
Her mercy flows like water,ready to cleanse and renew
(14:08):
anyone willing to seek it, butmercy isn't a free pass.
Our Lady's appearance, coupledwith the miraculous burning of
the Ocoat trees, flames thatconsume without destroying,
carries a deeper challenge.
It's a symbol of purification, areminder that true conversion
means letting go of what nolonger serves the soul.
(14:29):
She asked for a sanctuary to bebuilt, not just as a physical
space, but as a beacon forhearts to turn back to God.
The message is clear.
Healing comes withresponsibility.
The waters of Okotlan mightsoothe the body, but it's the
inward turning, the metanoia ofthe spirit that transforms
lives.
This duality of mercy andconversion is the beating heart
(14:51):
of the of the devotion to ourlady of Okatlan.
She doesn't demand perfection,she offers a path.
The burning trees stand as atestament to her power to refine
without ruin, to call us tosomething greater.
And in a world often scorched bydivision and doubt, her message
cuts through the noise Come tothe water, be healed, and let
(15:12):
your life be a sanctuary forothers.
(15:38):
In 1541, when whispers of amiraculous apparition and
burning trees spread likewildfire through the rugged
hills of Tlaxcala, Mexico, theystepped in to investigate, their
sandals kicking up dust on thesame paths where Juan Diego
Bernardino claimed to haveencountered the Blessed Virgin.
The Franciscans, led by figureslike Fray Martin de Valencia,
(16:03):
approached the phenomenon with amix of skepticism and reverence.
They interviewed witnesses,poured over accounts of the
fiery oak pine that refused tobe consumed, and examined the
spring of healing waters thathad bubbled forth at the
Virgin's command.
These were not men easily swayedby local lore.
They had seen syncretism andsuperstition weave their way
(16:25):
into the faith of the newlyconverted.
Yet the consistency of thetestimonies, Juan Diego's
unshakable conviction, thephysical evidence of the unburnt
tree, and reports of ailmentsvanishing in the waters began to
chip away at their doubts.
What struck them most was theimage of our lady of Ocotlan
herself discovered within thehollow of that very pine,
(16:46):
carved, some said, by no humanhand, the statue radiated a
serenity that seemed to defy thechaos of the world around it.
The missionaries noted how theindigenous people knelt before
her, not with the fear of oldgods, but with a tender hope
that mirrored the Christianspirit.
This was no idol of stone, itwas a conduit of grace, a
(17:07):
signpost pointing to somethinggreater, and their early
reports, scribbled in Latin andsent back to ecclesiastical
authorities, carried a cautioustone.
They spoke of possible divineintervention, urging further
scrutiny while admitting thatthe fervor of the faithful was
undeniable.
The Franciscans understood thestakes.
(17:27):
If this was a true miracle, itcould solidify the faith of a
fledgling Christian community.
If false, it risked leadingsouls astray.
So they watched, prayed, andwaited, their investigation
laying the groundwork for thechurch's eventual recognition of
Our Lady of Ocotlan as a beaconof hope in a land still finding
its spiritual footing.
(17:49):
Construction of the first shrineand chapel.
In the wake of the miraculousvision of Our Lady of Ocotlan in
1541, the faithful of Tlaxcala,Mexico were stirred by an
unshakable resolve to honor theBlessed Mother.
The story of Juan DiegoBernardino, the humble
Franciscan lay brother whowitnessed the Virgin amidst the
(18:11):
burning Ocote trees had spreadlike wildfire igniting a fervor
that could not be contained.
The people knew they needed asacred space, a tangible
testament to the divineencounter in the healing waters
that flowed from the spring Maryhad revealed.
With little more than rawdetermination and the tools of a
pre-industrial age, thecommunity set to work.
(18:34):
They were not architects orstonemasons by trade.
They were farmers, weavers, andlaborers, their hands callous
from full from from toil in thefields, yet guided by faith,
they hauled stones from nearbyquarries and felled timber from
the surrounding hills.
(18:54):
The site chosen was no accident.
It was the very hill where JuanDiego had seen the Virgin, a
place already sanctified by herpresence and the miraculous
wellspring that promised healingto the afflicted.
The first shrine was humble, asimple structure of adobe and
wood, erected with sweat andwhispered prayers.
(19:15):
It was not a grand cathedral,but to the people of Tlaxcala,
it was a palace for their queen.
Inside they placed a small imageof Our Lady of Okotlan, a
depiction of the Virgin as shehad appeared, her countenance
radiant with maternal love.
This modest shrine became abeacon, drawing pilgrims who
(19:36):
sought not just physical healingfrom the waters, but spiritual
renewal in the shadow of Mary'sintercession.
As devotion grew, so did theneed for a more permanent place
of worship.
By the late sixteenth centuryplans were drawn for a proper
chapel, a structure that couldwithstand the test of time and
the swelling crowds of thefaithful.
(19:56):
The construction was a communaleffort, with local leaders and
Franciscan friars overseeing thework.
Stone by stone the chapel rose,its walls a silent witness to
countless rosaries prayed andintentions offered.
The architecture reflected thesimplicity of the people's
faith, unadorned yet profound, aspace where heaven seemed to
touch earth.
(20:17):
What's striking even now is thesheer grit of those early
builders.
They had no machinery, no wealthto speak of, just an unwavering
belief that this was theircalling.
The chapel, completed in theearly seventeenth century,
became a cornerstone of devotionto Our Lady of Ocotlan, a place
where the miracle of the burningtrees and the healing waters
(20:38):
lived on, and every whisperedprayer and flickering candle, it
was a testament to what faithcan build even from the humblest
of beginnings.
Basilica of Our Lady of Ocatlanin the heart of Tlaxcala,
Mexico, where the whispers ofdivine intervention still linger
in the air, the humble originsof the shrine dedicated to Our
(20:59):
Lady of Ocotlan have transformedinto something truly
awe-inspiring.
What began as a modest chapelborn from the miraculous vision
of the Virgin Mary to Juan DiegoBernardino in 1541 has evolved
over centuries into the grandbasilica of Our Lady of Ocotlan,
(21:21):
a testament to unwavering faithand the enduring power of the
sacred.
The early days were marked bysimplicity, a small adobe
structure cradling the woodenimage of the Virgin, said to
have been discovered in aburning Ocote pine, untouched by
flame.
Pilgrims came in droves drawn bytales of healing waters from a
nearby spring, blessed by theVirgin herself, as the stories
(21:43):
of miracles multiplied, healingsanswered prayers and
unexplainable graces, so too didthe need for a space to honor
them.
By the eighteenth century, thefaithful could no longer be
contained by the humble chapel.
Construction began on a granderedifice, a Baroque masterpiece
that would reflect the magnitudeof the devotion it housed.
(22:03):
Completed in 1760, the Basilicaof Our Lady of Ocotlan stands
today as a marvel of colonialarchitecture, its twin towers
piercing the sky like a prayermade visible.
The intricate facade adornedwith carvings of saints and
angels tells a story ofreverence etched in stone.
Inside the gilded altars and therevered statue of the Virgin
(22:26):
dressed in robes of celestialblue and gold draw the eye and
the heart.
The basilica isn't just abuilding, it's a it's a living
archive of faith, a place wherethe past and present collide in
quiet, holy reverence.
Every brick seems to hum withthe footsteps of centuries of
pilgrims, each seeking a touchof the divine.
(22:48):
But it's not just the grandeurthat captivates the basilica
remains tied to the land, to theburning trees and healing waters
of its origin.
The spring still flows nearby,its waters believed to carry the
Virgin's blessing, a reminderthat miracles aren't confined to
history, they ripple throughtime.
This sacred space, born from ahumble vision, has grown into a
(23:09):
beacon for the faithful, a placewhere the ordinary becomes
extraordinary under the gaze ofOur Lady of Okotlan.
The angel carved statue and itslegends.
In the heart of the story of OurLady of Okatlan lies a relic so
steeped in mystery and divinewonder that it feels ripped from
the pages of a sacred epic.
(23:31):
The statue of the Virgin Mary,said to have been carved by
angels themselves, stands as atangible link to the miraculous
events of 1541 in Tlaxcala,Mexico.
This isn't just a piece of woodor a craftsman's labor, it's a
vessel of faith, a silentwitness to the burning trees and
(23:51):
healing waters that transformeda humble town into a beacon of
hope.
According to the accounts passeddown through generations, the
statue was discovered by JuanDiego Mano Bernardino, the same
faithful soul who firstwitnessed the vision of our lady
amidst the fiery Ocote trees.
As the legend goes, after theVirgin appeared and directed him
(24:13):
to the healing spring, Juanreturned to the site with others
from his village.
There, nestled in the ashes ofthe burned trees, they found
this statue untouched by flame,radiating an otherworldly
serenity.
Its craftsmanship was beyondhuman skill, delicate features,
a serene expression, and an aurathat seemed to pulse with divine
(24:35):
presence.
The villagers believed it was agift from heaven sculpted by
angelic Android hands as a signof Mary's intercession, but the
story doesn't stop there.
Whispers of the statue's powerspread like wildfire.
Some claimed it wept tears ofmercy during times of drought or
plague, a celestial lament forthe suffering of the people.
(24:57):
Others swore they saw it glowfaintly in the dark of the
chapel where it was enshrined, areminder of the light that
guided Juan to the spring.
These tales, whether rooted infact or faith, cemented the
statue's place as a cornerstoneof devotion in Ocotlan.
Pilgrims would travel miles,their feet worn and their hearts
(25:17):
heavy, just to kneel before itseeking solace or a miracle of
their own.
What strikes me most about thisrelic is how it embodies the
raw, unshakable belief of thoseearly witnesses.
In a world where skepticismoften drowns out wonder, the
idea of an angel carved statuechallenges us to consider the
unseen forces at play.
(25:40):
Was it truly shaped by heavenlyhands or was it the product of a
master artisan whose namehistory forgot?
The answer matters less than thefaith it inspires.
For the people of Tlaxcala andfor countless others who've
heard the story, this statueisn't just an object, it's a
testament to the idea that thedivine can touch the mundane,
(26:00):
turning wood into a window tothe eternal.
Ecclesial approval and papalrecognition.
In the grand tapestry ofCatholic history, few
apparitions have captured theChurch's attention.
Quite like Our Lady of Ocatlan,the story of the miraculous
burning trees in the healingwaters of Tlaxcala, Mexico
(26:21):
didn't just linger as locallegend, it demanded scrutiny
from the highest echelons ofecclesiastical authority.
Let's dig into the rigorousprocess that elevated this event
from a regional marvel to arecognized miracle, a journey of
faith that even the Vaticancouldn't ignore.
The initial accounts of ourlady's appearance in 1541 to
(26:41):
Juan Diego Bernardino, a humbleindigenous man, were met with
both awe and skepticism, but thechurch, ever cautious with
claims of the divine, launched athorough investigation.
By 1750, after decades oftestimonies, documented
healings, and the undeniablepersistence of the sacred image
(27:01):
of Our Lady of Okotlan, carvedfrom a single piece of oak and
discovered in a miraculouslyunburned tree, the local
bishopric gave its stamp ofapproval.
This wasn't a hasty decision, itwas a meticulous vetting of
miracles from the healing springthat still flows today to the
countless personaltransformations attributed to
(27:24):
the Virgin's intercession.
The real game changer came in1906 when Pope Pius VIX, no
stranger to the weight ofspiritual phenomena, formally
recognized the apparition.
This wasn't just a nod ofacknowledgement, it was a
profound declaration affirmingthe authenticity of the events
and the image's veneration.
(27:44):
Papal recognition placed OurLady of Ocotlan alongside other
revered Marian apparitions,cementing its place in the
global Catholic consciousness.
Pius Odistex's decree wasn'tmerely ceremonial, it was a call
to the faithful worldwide tohonor this manifestation of
(28:06):
Mary's maternal care, a beaconof hope rooted in the scorched
earth of Tlaxcala.
What's striking here is theinterplay of local devotion and
universal validation.
The people of Tlaxcala didn'twait for Rome's word to revere
their lady.
Their faith burned as fiercelyas those miraculous trees.
Yet when in the when the Vaticanspoke, it wasn't just
(28:30):
validation, it was a bridgeconnecting a small Mexican
village to the heart of thechurch.
This approval continues toinspire pilgrims, drawing them
to the Basilica of Ocotlan,where where the sacred image
stands as a testament to divineintervention, a reminder that
heaven often speaks through thehumblest of places.
A journey of faith inspired byOur Lady of Ocotlan.
(28:54):
As we reflect on the profoundstory of Our Lady of Ocotlan
with its burning trees andhealing waters, we're reminded
of the enduring power of faithto transform lives.
This miracle etched into theheart of Mexican Catholicism
isn't just a uh historicalevent.
It's a living call to deepen ourspiritual roots.
(29:16):
At Journeys of Faith, we'vededicated ourselves since 1980
to guiding souls on suchtransformative paths, just as
Bob and Penny Lord envisioned.
Our mission is to illuminate thewonders of the Catholic faith
through pilgrimages, books, andmedia, connecting believers with
stories like this one.
Whether you're drawn to themystery of Eucharistic miracles
(29:38):
or the lives of saints, weinvite you to join us on a
journey of discovery.
Explore our resources, books,statues, prayer cards, and
digital downloads to bring theinspiration of Our Lady of
Ocotlin into your home.
Let her story be a beaconguiding you towards spiritual
growth.
At Journeys of Faith, we believeevery step, every prayer, Prayer
(30:00):
brings us closer to the divine.
Will you walk with us on thissacred path?
The miracles of faith await.
FAQs about Our Lady of Ocotlan.
Who is Our Lady of Ocotlan?
Our Lady of Ocotlan is a reveredtitle of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, deeply cherished inMexican Catholic tradition.
(30:21):
Her story is one of divineintervention and compassion tied
to a miraculous apparition inthe sixteenth century.
As a symbol of hope and healing,she continues to inspire
countless faithful through herintercession, a cornerstone of
devotion that we at Journeys ofFaith hold dear in our mission
to share the power of faith.
(30:41):
Where did the miracle of theburning trees occur?
The miracle of the burning treestook place near the town of
Tlaxcala in central Mexico,specifically in a ravine close
to the village of Ocotlan.
This sacred site surrounded byrugged terrain and humble
beauty, became the backdrop foran extraordinary event that
(31:02):
would forever mark the region asa place of divine encounter, a
story we at Journeys of Faithare honored to recount.
When did the miracle of theburning trees happen?
The miracle of the burning treesoccurred in 1541, a pivotal time
in Mexican history shortly afterthe Spanish conquest and the
(31:22):
apparition of Our Lady ofGuadalupe.
This timing underscores theprofound wave of faith sweeping
through the region, a theme ofspiritual awakening that
resonates with the pilgrimagesand educational resources we
provide at journeys of faith.
What is the story of the burningtrees?
The story of the burning treescenters on a miraculous vision
(31:44):
where our Lady of Ocotlanappeared amidst a grove of Ocot
trees, engulfed in flames, yetuntouched by the fire.
This awe-inspiring event was asign of her presence and
protection, revealing a hiddenspring of healing waters.
It's a narrative of divinemystery and grace, one that we
at Journeys of Faith share todeepen understanding of Catholic
miracles in the lives of saints.
(32:07):
Who witnessed the miracle of theburning trees?
The primary witness to themiracle of the burning trees was
Juan Diego Bernardino, a humbleindigenous man from the area,
tasked with fetching waterduring a devastating plague, he
encountered the Virgin Mary inthe fiery grove, an encounter
that changed his life and thelives of many.
(32:27):
His testimony, rooted insimplicity and faith, mirrors
the personal transformations wewitness on our pilgrimages at
journeys of faith.
What message did Our Lady ofOcatlan give?
Our Lady of Ocatlan delivered amessage of comfort and healing,
instructing Juan DiegoBernardino to use the water from
(32:49):
the hidden spring to aid thesick.
She promised her intercessionand protection for those who
sought her help with faith.
This message of maternal care isat the heart of the Catholic
devotion we promote at Journeysof Faith, inspiring spiritual
growth through such sacredstories.
What is the significance of thehealing waters?
(33:09):
The healing waters of Ocotlandrevealed during the apparition
hold immense significance as atangible sign of God's mercy and
our Lady's intercession.
Pilgrims have long sought thesewaters for physical and
spiritual restoration, apractice that aligns with our
mission at Journeys of Faith toprovide opportunities for
encountering the divine throughsacred sites and stories.
(33:34):
How is the spring at Ocotlanconsidered miraculous?
The spring at Ocotlan isconsidered miraculous due to the
countless testimonies ofhealings and blessings
attributed to its waters sincethe 1541 apparition.
Emerging from a place oncehidden, is discovery during a
time of great suffering,cemented its reputation as a
(33:57):
source of divine intervention, atheme we explore deeply in the
resources and retreats offeredby journeys of faith.
What illnesses are believed tobe healed by the waters of
Okotland?
Over the centuries, the watersof Okotland have been believed
to heal a wide range ofillnesses from physical ailments
(34:18):
like fevers and infections tospiritual afflictions such as
despair.
During the plague of 1541, manyreportedly recovered after using
the water, a legacy of hope thatwe at Journeys of Faith
celebrate as evidence of thepower of faith and miracles.
Where is Ocatlan located?
(34:40):
Ocatlan is located in the stateof Tlaxcala in central Mexico, a
region rich with Catholichistory and devotion.
The Basilica of Our Lady ofOcatlan, built to honor the
apparition, stands as a beaconfor pilgrims worldwide.
At Journeys of Faith, weencourage visiting such sacred
places to experience theprofound spiritual growth that
comes from walking in thefootsteps of miracles.
(35:02):
Be sure to click the link in thedescription for the full
article.
Welcome to Journeys of Faith.
Brother Joseph Frey Aldenhovenhere.
Be sure to click the link in thedescription for the full
article.
Our Lady of Ocotlan, the miracleof the burning trees and healing
waters.
In the heart of Mexico, wherefaith weaves through the fabric
of everyday life, a story ofdivine intervention burns
(00:20):
bright, a tale of mystery,miracles, and a mother's
boundless love.
Welcome to the sacred ground ofOcotlan, a place where the
heavens reportedly touched theearth in the 16th century,
leaving behind a legacy of hopethat still draws pilgrims from
across the globe.
At Journeys of Faith, we'rehonored to share the
(00:41):
awe-inspiring account of OurLady of Ocotlan, a Marian
apparition tied to inexplicablewonders like burning trees that
refuse to be consumed andhealing waters that defy
explanation.
For over four decades since Boband Penny Lord founded our
ministry in 1980, Journeys ofFaith has been a beacon for
Catholic Christians seekingdeeper spiritual connection
(01:04):
through pilgrimages andeducational resources.
Our mission is to illuminate thepower of faith from Eucharistic
miracles to the lives of saints,and stories like that of Our
Lady of Okotlan embody thetransformative grace we strive
to share.
Whether you're joining us on apilgrimage diving into our books
or exploring our digitaldownloads, we invite you to walk
(01:26):
this journey of reverence anddiscovery with us.
The events surrounding Our Ladyof Okutline aren't just
historical footnotes, they're aliving testament to the divine,
a reminder of the miracles thatcan unfold when faith is
unwavering.
Picture this a humble Franciscanfriar, a desperate plea for
healing amid a devastatingepidemic and a vision of the
(01:48):
Blessed Virgin Mary that wouldchange the course of a community
forever.
This isn't merely a story, it'sa call to reflect on the
mysteries that shape ourbeliefs.
So let's step into the sacredpast of O Cotlin, where burning
trees and healing waters whisperof a mother's eternal care, and
let this tale inspire your ownjourney of faith with journeys
of faith.
(02:14):
Marian apparitions, media anditems.
Let's step back into theturbulent, transformative world
of 16th century Tlaxcala, aplace caught in the crucible of
conquest and faith.
This wasn't just a sleepy cornerof Mesoamerica.
Tlaxcala was a fierceindependent state, a patchwork
of indigenous power that hadlong resisted the iron grip of
(02:38):
the Aztec Empire.
By the time Hernan Cortez andhis band of conquistadors rolled
in around 1519, the Tlaxcalanswere battle hardened, skeptical
of outsiders, but alsopragmatic.
They saw in the Spaniards notjust invaders but potential
allies against their oldenemies, the Aztecs, so they
struck a deal, a tenuous, uneasyalliance that would reshape
(03:02):
their world fast forward a fewdecades to 1541, the year tied
to the miraculous events of OurLady of Ocotlan.
Tlaxcala was no longer just anindigenous stronghold, it was a
land in flux, wrestling with thecollision of two civilizations.
The Spanish had brought theirswords, their language, and most
(03:22):
indelibly, their faith.
Catholicism was spreading likewildfire, often layered over
ancient beliefs in a complex,sometimes painful syncretism.
Franciscan friars roamed theregion, building missions,
baptizing thousands, andpreaching a gospel that promised
salvation but often demandedcultural surrender.
For the Tlaxcalen people, thiswas a time of profound loss, but
(03:46):
also of adaptation.
Old gods whispered in theshadows while the cross rose
over new churches.
Yet life wasn't just spiritualupheaval, disease brought by the
Europeans ravaged the nativepopulation, smallpox and other
illnesses tore throughcommunities, leaving grief and
desperation in their wake.
(04:07):
It's against this backdrop ofconquest, conversion, and
catastrophe that the story ofOur Lady of Okotlan emerges.
A land scarred by suffering wasripe for a sign, a moment of
divine intervention that couldbridge the old and the new,
offering hope to a people caughtin the grind of history.
(04:28):
Join us on a journey of faithwith Our Lady of Ocotlan.
Hey there, fellow seekers of thedivine, at Journeys of Faith,
we're not just about reading thestories of miracles like Our
Lady of Ocotlan, we're aboutliving them.
Since Bob and Penny Lord startedthis mission in 1980, we've been
guiding souls like yours onpilgrimages that transform,
(04:49):
inspire, and connect you to theheart of Catholic spirituality,
ready to dive deeper into themysteries of faith.
Here's how you can join us.
Embark on a pilgrimage, walk thesacred paths where miracles
unfolded, feel the presence ofOur Lady of Akutland and
countless other wonders on oneof our guided journeys, and
explore our resources frombest-selling books like This Is
(05:11):
My Body, This Is My Blood todigital downloads, statues, and
prayer cards.
We've got the tools to enrichyour spiritual life, deepen your
faith, engage with our mediacontent, TV series, articles,
and more to uncover the lives ofsaints and the power of
Eucharistic miracles.
Connect with community.
Join a network of believerspassionate about spiritual
growth and the beauty ofCatholic tradition.
(05:33):
Take the leap.
Visit our website today and letJourneys of Faith guide you to a
deeper connection with thedivine.
The apparition to JuanBernardino.
In the quiet hills of Tlazcala,Mexico in 1541, a humble
indigenous man named Juan DiegoBernardino walked through a
(05:53):
landscape scarred by drought anddespair.
The land was parched, the peopledesperate for relief, and Juan,
a recent convert toChristianity, carried the weight
of his community suffering onhis weary shoulders.
It was here, amidst thedesolation, that the divine
broke through the mundane with avision that would alter the
course of history.
(06:14):
As the story goes, Juan wastrudging along a path near
Ocotlan when a radiant figureappeared before him, a woman of
unearthly beauty, cloaked in amantle of stars, her presence a
balm to his weary soul.
She spoke with a tenderness thatcut through the silence of the
arid hills, identifying herselfas the Virgin Mary, the mother
of God.
(06:34):
Her words were not mere comfort,they carried a mission.
She directed Juan to a hiddenspring, a source of water that
would heal not just the body butthe spirit of those who sought
it.
This was no ordinary encounter,it was a celestial intervention,
a moment where the veil betweenheaven and earth seemed to tear
open, revealing a glimpse ofeternal compassion.
(06:55):
But the apparition wasn't justabout a spring.
The Virgin Mary also pointedJuan toward a grove of Okote
trees, instructing him towitness a sign.
When he arrived he found one ofthe trees engulfed in flames,
yet unconsumed, a burning bushof the new world echoing the
miracles of old.
Within this fiery mystery animage of the Virgin would later
(07:17):
be discovered, etched into thewood, a tangible relic of her
presence.
This was no mere vision.
It was a call to faith, achallenge to believe in the
impossible.
For Juan, a man of simple meansand profound trust, this
encounter became the cornerstoneof a devotion that would ripple
through generations.
The weight of this moment cannotbe overstated.
(07:39):
Juan Bernardino, an unassumingfigure in a colonized land,
became a conduit for a messageof hope.
His story passed down throughoral tradition and later
documented by the church, standsas a testament to the power of
the divine to speak through thehumblest among us.
(08:41):
Tasked with fetching water froma nearby river for his ailing
community, stricken by adevastating small smallpox
epidemic, Juan Diego's journeytook a turn into the realm of
the miraculous.
As he approached a grove ofOcoat trees, a vision of
breathtaking beauty halted himin his tracks.
There, amidst the rugged barkand piny scent stood the Blessed
(09:04):
Virgin Mary, radiant and serene,her presence a balm to his weary
soul.
She spoke to him with atenderness that belied the
gravity of her words, directinghim to a hidden spring of water
with healing properties, adivine remedy for the suffering
of his people.
But this was no mere vision ofcomfort, it was a prelude to a
(09:27):
sign that would sear itself intothe memory of all who witnessed
it.
The ocote trees, dry and brittleunder the Mexican sun, suddenly
erupted into flames, yet in adefiance of nature's cruel logic
they were not consumed.
The fire danced across theirbranches, a celestial display of
power and mercy, leaving thetrees unscathed as if touched by
(09:49):
an unseen hand.
This was no ordinary blaze, itwas a testament, a beacon of
hope for a community on thebrink of despair.
The burning of coat trees becamea symbol of divine intervention,
a reminder that even in thedarkest of times the light of
faith could shine unquenched.
Juan Diego, awestruck andhumbled, followed the Virgin's
guidance to the hidden spring.
(10:09):
The waters as promised carried agrace beyond comprehension.
Those who drank or bathed inthem found relief from the
ravages of smallpox, theirbodies and spirits renewed by a
force that transcended earthlymedicine.
Word of the miracle spread likewildfire, drawing pilgrims and
skeptics alike to the sight,each seeking a glimpse of the
(10:29):
sacred, a touch of the divine.
This event tied so closely tothe apparition of Our Lady of
Ocotlan stands as a powerfulchapter in the story of faith in
Mexico.
It's a narrative not just ofhealing but of resilience, a
reminder that miracles oftenemerge from the ashes of
suffering, burning brightagainst the odds, discovery of
(10:52):
the healing spring.
In the heart of Tlaxcala,Mexico, where the air hums with
the whispers of ancient faith, amiracle unfolded in 1541 that
would forever etch the story ofOur Lady of Ocatlan into the
annals of Catholic devotion.
Juan Diego Bernardino, a humblenative of the region, trudged
(11:14):
through the scorched landscape,his heart heavy with the weight
of a devastating smallpoxepidemic that had ravaged his
people.
The land itself seemed to mournits trees reduced to charred
skeletons after a mysteriousfire.
Yet amid this desolation,something extraordinary was
(11:38):
about to happen, a divineintervention that would ripple
through generations.
As Juan Diego ventured into aravine near the village, guided
by an inexplicable pull, hebeheld a vision that defied all
earthly logic.
There, standing radiant andserene was the Blessed Virgin
Mary, her presence a balm to hisweary soul.
(11:59):
She spoke with a tenderness thatpierced the silence of the
ravaged land, directing him to ahidden spring.
Drink of this water, sheinstructed, her voice a melody
of hope, and bring it to yourpeople.
It will heal them.
Skepticism might have gripped alesser man, but Juan Diego,
(12:20):
steeped in faith, obeyed withouthesitation.
He dipped his hands into thecool, clear water, and as he
carried it back to theafflicted, the impossible became
reality.
Those who drank or were anointedwith the water began to recover,
their bodies mending as iftouched by a divine hand.
A word of the healing springspread like wildfire drawing the
(12:41):
sick and the desperate from farand wide.
The once barren ravinetransformed into a place of
pilgrimage, a sacred groundwhere the faithful could kneel
before the mystery of God'smercy.
The water, believed to beblessed by our lady of Okatlan
herself, became a tangible signof her intercession, a reminder
(13:02):
that even in the darkest oftimes hope could bubble up from
the earth itself.
This was no mere folklore.
It was a testament to the powerof belief, a story etched into
the very soil of Tlaxcala,waiting to be rediscovered by
every pilgrim who dares to seekit.
(13:24):
Our Lady's message of mercy andconversion.
When the Blessed Virgin appearedto Juan Diego Bernardino in
(13:47):
1541, her presence wasn't just aspectacle of divine power, it
was a personal invitation.
She didn't come with thunder orjudgment, but with a mother's
quiet urgency, pointing himtoward a hidden spring of
healing water.
That gesture alone speaksvolumes.
Her mercy flows like water,ready to cleanse and renew
(14:08):
anyone willing to seek it, butmercy isn't a free pass.
Our Lady's appearance, coupledwith the miraculous burning of
the Ocoat trees, flames thatconsume without destroying,
carries a deeper challenge.
It's a symbol of purification, areminder that true conversion
means letting go of what nolonger serves the soul.
(14:29):
She asked for a sanctuary to bebuilt, not just as a physical
space, but as a beacon forhearts to turn back to God.
The message is clear.
Healing comes withresponsibility.
The waters of Okotlan mightsoothe the body, but it's the
inward turning, the metanoia ofthe spirit that transforms
lives.
This duality of mercy andconversion is the beating heart
(14:51):
of the of the devotion to ourlady of Okatlan.
She doesn't demand perfection,she offers a path.
The burning trees stand as atestament to her power to refine
without ruin, to call us tosomething greater.
And in a world often scorched bydivision and doubt, her message
cuts through the noise Come tothe water, be healed, and let
(15:12):
your life be a sanctuary forothers.
(15:38):
In 1541, when whispers of amiraculous apparition and
burning trees spread likewildfire through the rugged
hills of Tlaxcala, Mexico, theystepped in to investigate, their
sandals kicking up dust on thesame paths where Juan Diego
Bernardino claimed to haveencountered the Blessed Virgin.
The Franciscans, led by figureslike Fray Martin de Valencia,
(16:03):
approached the phenomenon with amix of skepticism and reverence.
They interviewed witnesses,poured over accounts of the
fiery oak pine that refused tobe consumed, and examined the
spring of healing waters thathad bubbled forth at the
Virgin's command.
These were not men easily swayedby local lore.
They had seen syncretism andsuperstition weave their way
(16:25):
into the faith of the newlyconverted.
Yet the consistency of thetestimonies, Juan Diego's
unshakable conviction, thephysical evidence of the unburnt
tree, and reports of ailmentsvanishing in the waters began to
chip away at their doubts.
What struck them most was theimage of our lady of Ocotlan
herself discovered within thehollow of that very pine,
(16:46):
carved, some said, by no humanhand, the statue radiated a
serenity that seemed to defy thechaos of the world around it.
The missionaries noted how theindigenous people knelt before
her, not with the fear of oldgods, but with a tender hope
that mirrored the Christianspirit.
This was no idol of stone, itwas a conduit of grace, a
(17:07):
signpost pointing to somethinggreater, and their early
reports, scribbled in Latin andsent back to ecclesiastical
authorities, carried a cautioustone.
They spoke of possible divineintervention, urging further
scrutiny while admitting thatthe fervor of the faithful was
undeniable.
The Franciscans understood thestakes.
(17:27):
If this was a true miracle, itcould solidify the faith of a
fledgling Christian community.
If false, it risked leadingsouls astray.
So they watched, prayed, andwaited, their investigation
laying the groundwork for thechurch's eventual recognition of
Our Lady of Ocotlan as a beaconof hope in a land still finding
its spiritual footing.
(17:49):
Construction of the first shrineand chapel.
In the wake of the miraculousvision of Our Lady of Ocotlan in
1541, the faithful of Tlaxcala,Mexico were stirred by an
unshakable resolve to honor theBlessed Mother.
The story of Juan DiegoBernardino, the humble
Franciscan lay brother whowitnessed the Virgin amidst the
(18:11):
burning Ocote trees had spreadlike wildfire igniting a fervor
that could not be contained.
The people knew they needed asacred space, a tangible
testament to the divineencounter in the healing waters
that flowed from the spring Maryhad revealed.
With little more than rawdetermination and the tools of a
pre-industrial age, thecommunity set to work.
(18:34):
They were not architects orstonemasons by trade.
They were farmers, weavers, andlaborers, their hands callous
from full from from toil in thefields, yet guided by faith,
they hauled stones from nearbyquarries and felled timber from
the surrounding hills.
(18:54):
The site chosen was no accident.
It was the very hill where JuanDiego had seen the Virgin, a
place already sanctified by herpresence and the miraculous
wellspring that promised healingto the afflicted.
The first shrine was humble, asimple structure of adobe and
wood, erected with sweat andwhispered prayers.
(19:15):
It was not a grand cathedral,but to the people of Tlaxcala,
it was a palace for their queen.
Inside they placed a small imageof Our Lady of Okotlan, a
depiction of the Virgin as shehad appeared, her countenance
radiant with maternal love.
This modest shrine became abeacon, drawing pilgrims who
(19:36):
sought not just physical healingfrom the waters, but spiritual
renewal in the shadow of Mary'sintercession.
As devotion grew, so did theneed for a more permanent place
of worship.
By the late sixteenth centuryplans were drawn for a proper
chapel, a structure that couldwithstand the test of time and
the swelling crowds of thefaithful.
(19:56):
The construction was a communaleffort, with local leaders and
Franciscan friars overseeing thework.
Stone by stone the chapel rose,its walls a silent witness to
countless rosaries prayed andintentions offered.
The architecture reflected thesimplicity of the people's
faith, unadorned yet profound, aspace where heaven seemed to
touch earth.
(20:17):
What's striking even now is thesheer grit of those early
builders.
They had no machinery, no wealthto speak of, just an unwavering
belief that this was theircalling.
The chapel, completed in theearly seventeenth century,
became a cornerstone of devotionto Our Lady of Ocotlan, a place
where the miracle of the burningtrees and the healing waters
(20:38):
lived on, and every whisperedprayer and flickering candle, it
was a testament to what faithcan build even from the humblest
of beginnings.
Basilica of Our Lady of Ocatlanin the heart of Tlaxcala,
Mexico, where the whispers ofdivine intervention still linger
in the air, the humble originsof the shrine dedicated to Our
(20:59):
Lady of Ocotlan have transformedinto something truly
awe-inspiring.
What began as a modest chapelborn from the miraculous vision
of the Virgin Mary to Juan DiegoBernardino in 1541 has evolved
over centuries into the grandbasilica of Our Lady of Ocotlan,
(21:21):
a testament to unwavering faithand the enduring power of the
sacred.
The early days were marked bysimplicity, a small adobe
structure cradling the woodenimage of the Virgin, said to
have been discovered in aburning Ocote pine, untouched by
flame.
Pilgrims came in droves drawn bytales of healing waters from a
nearby spring, blessed by theVirgin herself, as the stories
(21:43):
of miracles multiplied, healingsanswered prayers and
unexplainable graces, so too didthe need for a space to honor
them.
By the eighteenth century, thefaithful could no longer be
contained by the humble chapel.
Construction began on a granderedifice, a Baroque masterpiece
that would reflect the magnitudeof the devotion it housed.
(22:03):
Completed in 1760, the Basilicaof Our Lady of Ocotlan stands
today as a marvel of colonialarchitecture, its twin towers
piercing the sky like a prayermade visible.
The intricate facade adornedwith carvings of saints and
angels tells a story ofreverence etched in stone.
Inside the gilded altars and therevered statue of the Virgin
(22:26):
dressed in robes of celestialblue and gold draw the eye and
the heart.
The basilica isn't just abuilding, it's a it's a living
archive of faith, a place wherethe past and present collide in
quiet, holy reverence.
Every brick seems to hum withthe footsteps of centuries of
pilgrims, each seeking a touchof the divine.
(22:48):
But it's not just the grandeurthat captivates the basilica
remains tied to the land, to theburning trees and healing waters
of its origin.
The spring still flows nearby,its waters believed to carry the
Virgin's blessing, a reminderthat miracles aren't confined to
history, they ripple throughtime.
This sacred space, born from ahumble vision, has grown into a
(23:09):
beacon for the faithful, a placewhere the ordinary becomes
extraordinary under the gaze ofOur Lady of Okotlan.
The angel carved statue and itslegends.
In the heart of the story of OurLady of Okatlan lies a relic so
steeped in mystery and divinewonder that it feels ripped from
the pages of a sacred epic.
(23:31):
The statue of the Virgin Mary,said to have been carved by
angels themselves, stands as atangible link to the miraculous
events of 1541 in Tlaxcala,Mexico.
This isn't just a piece of woodor a craftsman's labor, it's a
vessel of faith, a silentwitness to the burning trees and
(23:51):
healing waters that transformeda humble town into a beacon of
hope.
According to the accounts passeddown through generations, the
statue was discovered by JuanDiego Mano Bernardino, the same
faithful soul who firstwitnessed the vision of our lady
amidst the fiery Ocote trees.
As the legend goes, after theVirgin appeared and directed him
(24:13):
to the healing spring, Juanreturned to the site with others
from his village.
There, nestled in the ashes ofthe burned trees, they found
this statue untouched by flame,radiating an otherworldly
serenity.
Its craftsmanship was beyondhuman skill, delicate features,
a serene expression, and an aurathat seemed to pulse with divine
(24:35):
presence.
The villagers believed it was agift from heaven sculpted by
angelic Android hands as a signof Mary's intercession, but the
story doesn't stop there.
Whispers of the statue's powerspread like wildfire.
Some claimed it wept tears ofmercy during times of drought or
plague, a celestial lament forthe suffering of the people.
(24:57):
Others swore they saw it glowfaintly in the dark of the
chapel where it was enshrined, areminder of the light that
guided Juan to the spring.
These tales, whether rooted infact or faith, cemented the
statue's place as a cornerstoneof devotion in Ocotlan.
Pilgrims would travel miles,their feet worn and their hearts
(25:17):
heavy, just to kneel before itseeking solace or a miracle of
their own.
What strikes me most about thisrelic is how it embodies the
raw, unshakable belief of thoseearly witnesses.
In a world where skepticismoften drowns out wonder, the
idea of an angel carved statuechallenges us to consider the
unseen forces at play.
(25:40):
Was it truly shaped by heavenlyhands or was it the product of a
master artisan whose namehistory forgot?
The answer matters less than thefaith it inspires.
For the people of Tlaxcala andfor countless others who've
heard the story, this statueisn't just an object, it's a
testament to the idea that thedivine can touch the mundane,
(26:00):
turning wood into a window tothe eternal.
Ecclesial approval and papalrecognition.
In the grand tapestry ofCatholic history, few
apparitions have captured theChurch's attention.
Quite like Our Lady of Ocatlan,the story of the miraculous
burning trees in the healingwaters of Tlaxcala, Mexico
(26:21):
didn't just linger as locallegend, it demanded scrutiny
from the highest echelons ofecclesiastical authority.
Let's dig into the rigorousprocess that elevated this event
from a regional marvel to arecognized miracle, a journey of
faith that even the Vaticancouldn't ignore.
The initial accounts of ourlady's appearance in 1541 to
(26:41):
Juan Diego Bernardino, a humbleindigenous man, were met with
both awe and skepticism, but thechurch, ever cautious with
claims of the divine, launched athorough investigation.
By 1750, after decades oftestimonies, documented
healings, and the undeniablepersistence of the sacred image
(27:01):
of Our Lady of Okotlan, carvedfrom a single piece of oak and
discovered in a miraculouslyunburned tree, the local
bishopric gave its stamp ofapproval.
This wasn't a hasty decision, itwas a meticulous vetting of
miracles from the healing springthat still flows today to the
countless personaltransformations attributed to
(27:24):
the Virgin's intercession.
The real game changer came in1906 when Pope Pius VIX, no
stranger to the weight ofspiritual phenomena, formally
recognized the apparition.
This wasn't just a nod ofacknowledgement, it was a
profound declaration affirmingthe authenticity of the events
and the image's veneration.
(27:44):
Papal recognition placed OurLady of Ocotlan alongside other
revered Marian apparitions,cementing its place in the
global Catholic consciousness.
Pius Odistex's decree wasn'tmerely ceremonial, it was a call
to the faithful worldwide tohonor this manifestation of
(28:06):
Mary's maternal care, a beaconof hope rooted in the scorched
earth of Tlaxcala.
What's striking here is theinterplay of local devotion and
universal validation.
The people of Tlaxcala didn'twait for Rome's word to revere
their lady.
Their faith burned as fiercelyas those miraculous trees.
Yet when in the when the Vaticanspoke, it wasn't just
(28:30):
validation, it was a bridgeconnecting a small Mexican
village to the heart of thechurch.
This approval continues toinspire pilgrims, drawing them
to the Basilica of Ocotlan,where where the sacred image
stands as a testament to divineintervention, a reminder that
heaven often speaks through thehumblest of places.
A journey of faith inspired byOur Lady of Ocotlan.
(28:54):
As we reflect on the profoundstory of Our Lady of Ocotlan
with its burning trees andhealing waters, we're reminded
of the enduring power of faithto transform lives.
This miracle etched into theheart of Mexican Catholicism
isn't just a uh historicalevent.
It's a living call to deepen ourspiritual roots.
(29:16):
At Journeys of Faith, we'vededicated ourselves since 1980
to guiding souls on suchtransformative paths, just as
Bob and Penny Lord envisioned.
Our mission is to illuminate thewonders of the Catholic faith
through pilgrimages, books, andmedia, connecting believers with
stories like this one.
Whether you're drawn to themystery of Eucharistic miracles
(29:38):
or the lives of saints, weinvite you to join us on a
journey of discovery.
Explore our resources, books,statues, prayer cards, and
digital downloads to bring theinspiration of Our Lady of
Ocotlin into your home.
Let her story be a beaconguiding you towards spiritual
growth.
At Journeys of Faith, we believeevery step, every prayer, Prayer
(30:00):
brings us closer to the divine.
Will you walk with us on thissacred path?
The miracles of faith await.
FAQs about Our Lady of Ocotlan.
Who is Our Lady of Ocotlan?
Our Lady of Ocotlan is a reveredtitle of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, deeply cherished inMexican Catholic tradition.
(30:21):
Her story is one of divineintervention and compassion tied
to a miraculous apparition inthe sixteenth century.
As a symbol of hope and healing,she continues to inspire
countless faithful through herintercession, a cornerstone of
devotion that we at Journeys ofFaith hold dear in our mission
to share the power of faith.
(30:41):
Where did the miracle of theburning trees occur?
The miracle of the burning treestook place near the town of
Tlaxcala in central Mexico,specifically in a ravine close
to the village of Ocotlan.
This sacred site surrounded byrugged terrain and humble
beauty, became the backdrop foran extraordinary event that
(31:02):
would forever mark the region asa place of divine encounter, a
story we at Journeys of Faithare honored to recount.
When did the miracle of theburning trees happen?
The miracle of the burning treesoccurred in 1541, a pivotal time
in Mexican history shortly afterthe Spanish conquest and the
(31:22):
apparition of Our Lady ofGuadalupe.
This timing underscores theprofound wave of faith sweeping
through the region, a theme ofspiritual awakening that
resonates with the pilgrimagesand educational resources we
provide at journeys of faith.
What is the story of the burningtrees?
The story of the burning treescenters on a miraculous vision
(31:44):
where our Lady of Ocotlanappeared amidst a grove of Ocot
trees, engulfed in flames, yetuntouched by the fire.
This awe-inspiring event was asign of her presence and
protection, revealing a hiddenspring of healing waters.
It's a narrative of divinemystery and grace, one that we
at Journeys of Faith share todeepen understanding of Catholic
miracles in the lives of saints.
(32:07):
Who witnessed the miracle of theburning trees?
The primary witness to themiracle of the burning trees was
Juan Diego Bernardino, a humbleindigenous man from the area,
tasked with fetching waterduring a devastating plague, he
encountered the Virgin Mary inthe fiery grove, an encounter
that changed his life and thelives of many.
(32:27):
His testimony, rooted insimplicity and faith, mirrors
the personal transformations wewitness on our pilgrimages at
journeys of faith.
What message did Our Lady ofOcatlan give?
Our Lady of Ocatlan delivered amessage of comfort and healing,
instructing Juan DiegoBernardino to use the water from
(32:49):
the hidden spring to aid thesick.
She promised her intercessionand protection for those who
sought her help with faith.
This message of maternal care isat the heart of the Catholic
devotion we promote at Journeysof Faith, inspiring spiritual
growth through such sacredstories.
What is the significance of thehealing waters?
(33:09):
The healing waters of Ocotlandrevealed during the apparition
hold immense significance as atangible sign of God's mercy and
our Lady's intercession.
Pilgrims have long sought thesewaters for physical and
spiritual restoration, apractice that aligns with our
mission at Journeys of Faith toprovide opportunities for
encountering the divine throughsacred sites and stories.
(33:34):
How is the spring at Ocotlanconsidered miraculous?
The spring at Ocotlan isconsidered miraculous due to the
countless testimonies ofhealings and blessings
attributed to its waters sincethe 1541 apparition.
Emerging from a place oncehidden, is discovery during a
time of great suffering,cemented its reputation as a
(33:57):
source of divine intervention, atheme we explore deeply in the
resources and retreats offeredby journeys of faith.
What illnesses are believed tobe healed by the waters of
Okotland?
Over the centuries, the watersof Okotland have been believed
to heal a wide range ofillnesses from physical ailments
(34:18):
like fevers and infections tospiritual afflictions such as
despair.
During the plague of 1541, manyreportedly recovered after using
the water, a legacy of hope thatwe at Journeys of Faith
celebrate as evidence of thepower of faith and miracles.
Where is Ocatlan located?
(34:40):
Ocatlan is located in the stateof Tlaxcala in central Mexico, a
region rich with Catholichistory and devotion.
The Basilica of Our Lady ofOcatlan, built to honor the
apparition, stands as a beaconfor pilgrims worldwide.
At Journeys of Faith, weencourage visiting such sacred
places to experience theprofound spiritual growth that
comes from walking in thefootsteps of miracles.
(35:02):
Be sure to click the link in thedescription for the full
article.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.