On December 9, 1531, while on his way to mass, Juan Diego was visited by Mary, who was surrounded in heavenly light, on Tepeyac Hill on the outskirts of what is now Mexico City. She spoke to him and asked him to tell the bishop to build a shrine to her on the hill. The bishop did not believe Juan Diego’s story and asked for proof that Mary had appeared to him.

On December 12, he was visited by Mary again. He told her of the bishop’s answer, and she instructed him to gather roses and bring them to the bishop as a sign. Juan Diego found many roses on the hill, even though it was winter. When he opened his tilma while appearing before the bishop, dozens of roses fell out, and an image of Mary, imprinted on the inside of his cloak, became visible.

Having received his proof, the bishop ordered that a church be built on Tepeyac Hill in honour of the Virgin.