Our Lady of Guadalupe:
Patroness of the Americas
Our Lady of Guadalupe is especially revered by the people of Mexico, because she appeared to Juan Diego, a poor peasant on Tepayac Hill outside of Mexico City. In his vision, she appeared as a young Indian woman, brown and pregnant, her face radiating compassion. She spoke to him in Nahuatal, the language of the conquered indigenous Indians. She honors all those who died that day working less high profile jobs: delivering morning coffee, preparing meals in the Towers' restaurants, and staffing the service and maintenance posts that kept the World Trade Center running efficiently. Guadalupe honors all the immigrants from among the 91 nations who perished.

"I have traveled in Mexico many times, so the commission to create Our Lady of Guadalupe is very meaningful to me. Guadalupe is beloved because of her simplicity, empathy and connection to the people and their beliefs. I used terracotta for its richness and warmth, and bright colors to express her joy and radiance."

- Brett Slavin, Slavin Studios, Ryebrook, NY