Published on September 9, 2024, 12:34 am

In a display of religiosity and homage to the Christian faith, former President Donald Trump recently posted a greeting for Mary’s birthday on TruthSocial. The references are deeply embedded within the Christian worldview, more so amongst Catholics who gave high regard to Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ.

Together with his salutation, “Happy Birthday Mary!”, Trump shared a seminal image signifying Christianity’s central figures — an illustration of “Our Lady of Guadalupe.” This depiction carries weight in Catholicism, especially among devotees in Mexico. Tradition tells the story of an Aztec man named Juan Diego, who purportedly had multiple visions of Mary in 1531. In these apparitions, it is believed that she requested him to establish a shrine on Tepayac Hill, now part of Mexico City suburbia.

When Juan Diego recounted his encounters to his bishop, he was asked for validation or proof. After a subsequent meeting with Mary where she suggested collecting roses as evidence, Diego presented these before the bishop. Upon opening his cloak (tilma), numerous flowers fell off revealing an imprinted image of Mary on his garment. It is this same picture that Trump chose for his social post.

The representation shared by Trump is highly revered by those who visit the Basilica of Guadalupe. Many Catholics consider this representation as miraculous and an assurance of Mary’s benevolent attention toward the Americas. Late Pope John Paul II also recognized its significance during his lifetime—canonizing Juan Diego in 2002 and declaring Our Lady of Guadalupe as “the Marian heart” during a 1999 sermon.

Trump’s commemoration aligns timely with his announcement about creating ‘Catholics for Trump’, described as a group dedicated to protecting religious liberty principles and lauds traditional values. This reveals Trump’s commitment to offering unwavering support towards religion with concrete efforts at domestic and international levels which remains in stark contrast to the present Harris-Biden administration.

Supporters of the coalition maintain Trump’s efforts greatly enable faith-based organizations and safeguard religious institutions from governmental overreach. Reception towards the performance, however, remains mixed amongst Catholic voters. Recent polling data from EWTN News/RealClear Opinion Research (August 28-30) reveals that Vice President Kamala Harris is currently favored by 50% of Catholic voters as opposed to Trump’s 43% support.

In this context, prominent conservative commentators within the Catholic community have cautioned about the potential adverse effects another Harris administration could bring upon religious freedoms. This also fuels public discourse regarding the future stance on religion in American politics and society at large.

Despite variances in public opinion, former President Donald Trump continues to express his allegiance with Christian values using his influence to shine a light on central tenets oftentimes undervalued yet deeply interlaced with folk traditions within communities of Christian faith.