Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Scott Watts, founder of Guadalupe Missions, will give a presentation about Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln on December 1 at 6:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and will take place ahead of the Mass of the Americas, which Bishop James D. Conley will celebrate on December 12 for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Diocese of Lincoln was selected as one of twelve locations nationwide to host a Mass as part of “Project Guadalupe 2031” and in recognition of the Jubilee Year of Hope. The Mass, composed by Frank La Rocca and commissioned by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, uses texts in Spanish, English, Latin, and Nahuatl.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is said to have appeared to Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531. According to tradition, she asked him to build a shrine at Tepeyac Hill. After initially being dismissed by the archbishop, Juan Diego returned with flowers gathered at her request; when he presented them using his tilma—a cloak made from plant fibers—the image of Our Lady appeared on it.

The appearance reportedly led to widespread conversions among indigenous Mexicans. The tilma has survived for nearly five centuries and continues to be studied by scholars who have not explained how the image was created. Today, millions visit the Basilica dedicated to Our Lady in Mexico City each year.

Scott Watts started Guadalupe Missions about five years ago after noticing strong interest in Our Lady during mission trips with Hope for the Poor near Mexico City. He began giving presentations back home in Nebraska and eventually founded his non-profit organization following guidance from his spiritual director.

“It came from questions people had, rather than reading a book,” Watts said.

He developed an interactive presentation featuring a full-size replica of the tilma and samples so attendees can feel its fragility firsthand. “When you have five senses, why not use them?” Watts theorizes. “I can hand it to you and you can feel it and smell it. In short, this experience is bringing the pilgrimage to you.”

Watts hopes especially to reach skeptics and practicing Catholics who may have lost enthusiasm for their faith. Recalling a high school presentation where many students stayed afterward despite it being late on a Friday afternoon, he noted: “The bell rings, and over 100 kids stayed for like an hour.”

In parish settings as well, he has seen attendees connect more deeply with St. Juan Diego and Our Lady through these experiences: “They have their eyes and ears opened,” Watts said. “Miracles are happening every day with this stuff.”

Currently operating with only his immediate family as staff but supported by donors and volunteers, Watts foresees growth requiring additional resources such as another tilma replica or presenter.

“I think it’s going to be bigger than me and my family,” Watts speculated. “We’re hungry for this to grow as fast as God wants us to. We’re in this full time; we just want to support our family as we are going.”

Watts offers presentations in both English and Spanish across Nebraska before expanding further into other states or Ireland.

The December 12 Mass at the Cathedral is also open to all attendees.