OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Question from CGALINDO on 2/26/2008:

ON OUR STATUES OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, THERE IS A ANGEL AT THE BOTTOM OF IT. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS ANGEL? AND WHEN SHE APPEARED, WAS SHE PREGNANT WITH OUR LORD?

Answer by Matthew Bunson on 3/10/2008:
The traditional understanding of the angel supporting Our Lady of Guadalupe has several facets. First, it is a sign of her royalty, for she is being supported by the angels, just as an angel – Gabriel – announced the Incarnation. Additionally, the symbol of being carried was one of the crucial ones in Meso-America, for only the greatest kings and queens were carried.

Finally, the angel (notably in the form of a Meso-American) brings forth Our Lady to the world, fulfilling the traditional purpose of angels as emissaries, as messengers.