The tragedy behind the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe that Joe Biden showed to AMLO in a meeting

The meeting between the presidents Joe Biden and Andrés Manuel López Obrador it took place in an atmosphere of cordiality and brotherhood. One of the biggest things that helped break the ice between the leaders of the state was the symbolic exchange established between them, where the American Catholic religion linked to a cultural frame of reference in Mexico.

And it is that during the virtual meeting of this March 1, the American president expressed his desire to meet the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico for Catholics; however, his reference is also framed by a family tragedy.

While former vice president of the administration Barck Obama insisted that the United States and Mexico “We are stronger if we are united”, I show a rosary with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, as belonged to his son, died in 2015.

I want to know Mexico, its people and the Virgin of Guadalupe. I still have the rosary that my son had when he passed away

This demonstration took place because, in his capacity as vice-president, he went to Mexico City, where he recognized the beauties of the capital.

“I met educators, students, I walked the beautiful cobbled streets of Mexico City and spoke with Mexicans of all races. I treasure these memories and hope to add more in the future “, he assured.

The family treasure that the US president showed, in addition to representing his Catholic faith, also keeps a memory of his firstborn: Joseph Robinette “Beau” Biden III, died on May 30, 2015 of a brain tumor at the age of 46.

Before the sensitive death of his son, Biden spoke a few words to preserve the memory of the Iraqi veteran.

“We know that Beau’s spirit will survive in all of us, especially thanks to his brave wife, Hallie, and two remarkable children, Natalie and Hunter.said Joe Biden, then vice president.

On top of that, Obama also expressed his condolences and underlined the moral quality of the entire Biden family in the face of adversity.

“Like his father, Beau was kind, he had a big heart, he was a devout Catholic and a deeply faithful man, who changed every life he touched and who lives in their hearts., said the then US president in a statement.

This case is not the only one to have disturbed Biden’s family. in 1972, when the current president was 29, Joe Biden’s wife and daughter Neilia and Naomi die in car crash. In the same vehicle were his sons Beau and Hunter; however, they survived the disaster.

Over time, the Democratic Party activist recognized in the book Promises to keep: on life and politics (Promises to keep: life and politics) that “There were no words, no prayers, no sermons to calm me down […] I felt that God had cheated on me and I was angry. “

On the other side of the Rio Grande, the image of The Virgin of Guadalupe sets a symbolic precedent for the cultural cohesion of Mexicans, since most of the inhabitants are Catholics and faithful believers of the Virgin brunette. It is for this reason that two basilicas dedicated to the apparition in Tepeyac were built in the national capital.

In them is where everyone December 12 the mañanitas are sung to him, as a symbol of one more birthday since he appeared in San Juan Diego to build him a temple.

To enhance the celebration, thousands of Mexicans make the pilgrimage from all over the republic to join in the celebration. It has been documented for decades that there is a large group of people who walk great distances on foot, by bicycle or on their knees., only to gather at La Villa à Gustavo A. Madero, CDMX, and share his faith with other believers.

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