The Virgin of Guadalupe is the most significant religious symbol of Mexico and one of the pre-eminent female icons in the world. In 1531, Juan Diego, a poor Indian was visited by the Virgin Mary on a hill outside Mexico City. The Blessed Mother left an image of herself imprinted on a piece of cloth that is now one of the most miraculous relics anywhere.
Eryk Hanut is a photographer whose work has appeared in several books including Mary's Vineyard, which he co-authored with Andrew Harvey. He's also written I Wish You Love: Conversations with Marlene Dietrich and Rumi: A Card and Book Package. With a pilgrim's heart, a prankster's eye, and a poet's way with language, Hanut sniffs out the varied fragrances of the Divine Feminine on his pilgrimage to Mexico City and the site of Mary's visitation at Guadalupe.
The author presents the story of Juan Diego through a text called Nican Mopohua. He then probes and ponders the rich blend of religiosity in Mexican culture where Catholicism, Aztec mythology, and occult influences blend together. Hanut sets his visit to Guadalupe in the context of other treks to Marian sites in Lourdes, Fatima, and Berzee in the Belgian Ardennes.
Whether observing Mexico City's policemen "dressed like extras in an Offenbach operetta"; gifting us with recipes; visiting the home of Frida Kahlo, the controversial artist; or sharing with us some rituals passed on to him by a curandera; Hanut proves himself to be a connoisseur of exotic experiences. Which, of course, is what we treasure most in guides to faraway places.
