The book presents a translation, from the Spanish, of the Nican Mopohua, a poetic account of the Guadalupe events of 1531. This masterpiece of Nahuatl literature is a work of great harmony, depth, and beauty. To this account, Fr. Elizondo provides an extended and enthusiastic commentary pointing out the epic qualities of the work and the great significance of Guadalupe for evangelization. 

"It was already beginning to dawn" indicates both the arrival of the Gospel and new harmony between peoples and cultures which Guadalupe fore- told. Juan Diego is a symbol of the native peoples, at once "most abandoned, most beloved." The flowers and the singing of birds which are highlighted in the narrative communicate more effectively to native peoples

--Thomas A. Thompson, S.M.

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