On December 9, Juan Diego, a native Aztec peasant, was walking along a country trail near present-day Mexico City when suddenly Mary appeared to him. She had the dark complexion, hair and eyes of the Aztec. She was in front of and blocking the sun. She stood upon a burned-out crescent moon - not as a goddess, but with her head humbly inclined downward. Her clothing was brightly colored blue-green and rose, colors which had been reserved for Aztec royalty. She wore a black sash, an Aztec symbol of a woman who had borne a child.
Mary spoke to Juan Diego in his native language and said he was to tell the bishop to build a chapel on that site.
Juan's efforts to convince the bishop failed. Finally, in her third appearance, Mary told Juan to take some roses growing nearby (unusual in December) as as sign for the bishop. Juan wrapped some in his cloak. When he came to the bishop and unfolded his cloak, imprinted on it was a painting of the woman who had appeared to him.
- Little Blue Book, Diocese of Saginaw