St. Juan Diego is associated with the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, in her manifestation as Our Lady of Guadalupe, in December 1531 on Tepeyac Hill on the outskirts of what is now Mexico City. According to tradition, Juan Diego was visited by Mary four times and was asked by her to tell the local bishop to build a shrine to her on the hill. The bishop asked for proof of her visitation, and Mary instructed Juan Diego to gather roses blooming on the hill (even though it was winter) and bring them to the bishop. When St. Juan Diego opened his tilma (cloak) before the bishop, dozens of roses fell out, and an image of Mary was miraculously imprinted on the inside of the tilma. This event, considered a miracle by the Roman Catholic Church, convinced the bishop to build the church according to the Virgin’s request. The church became known as the Basilica of Guadalupe.