December 22, 1531 - Juan Diego Claims the Virgin Mary Appeared to Him

On December 22, 1531, Juan Diego, an indigenous peasant from the neighborhood of Guadeloupe in Mexico City claimed the Virgin Mary appeared to him and instructed him to build a church. This church became known as the Basilica of Guadalupe and was instrumental in the development of Catholicism in Mexico. Father Miguel Hidalgo, known as the Father of Mexican Independence from Spain, raised the banner of Guadalupe as his standard in battle.