Our Lady of Guadalupe was the Banner of the Mexican Independence Movement

Contact: Andrew Walther, 818-522-2005

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- In honor of the 475th anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego, the Knights of Columbus is organizing a nationwide speaking tour by Father Eduardo Chavez, one of the most renowned experts on the Guadalupe apparitions and the postulator of St. Juan Diego's cause for sainthood. He is also the author of the book, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego: The Historical Evidence (Rowman and Littlefield, 2006).

The lecture series begins in Los Angeles at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Sept. 16 at 5 pm. Other scheduled (arch)dioceses include Orange (Sept. 18 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Santa Ana), Chicago and Washington D.C.. More information and a full schedule is available at www.kofc.org/guadalupe

Entitled Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Woman who Changed the face of the Hemisphere, the fascinating 90 minute talk and accompanying slide show is both scholarly and accessible. It tells the story of St. Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe, and shows how Our Lady of Guadalupe provided the "perfectly inculturated" example of evangelization that has helped to build the future that all nations share in the Americas.

"During this important 475th anniversary year of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we are honored to have the opportunity to bring her message of peace to people throughout the United States," said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. "One cannot understand our 'Catholic hemisphere' without understanding the role played in creating it by Our Lady of Guadalupe."

Father Chavez's presentation provides the historical context at the time of the apparition highlights its effects on the evangelization of the Americas and shows the way in which this event facilitated the unprecedented conversion of the indigenous cultures. Father Chavez also explores the rich symbolism of the various aspects of the apparition including the image itself, and shows how one humble man - with the help of Our Lady - was able to bring the Gospel to an entire continent.

This lectures will delivered in Spanish, with simultaneous English translation available in most locations.

The Knights of Columbus was founded in New Haven, Conn. in 1882. By 1905 the Order was established in Mexico and by 1909 in Cuba. Today, the Knights of Columbus is the world's largest lay Catholic organization with more than 1.7 million members worldwide. Last year, Knights donated more than $143 million and 68 million hours to charitable causes.