The Tlaxcalans became the first tribe in Mexico to embrace Catholicism. As a result, the hand of Divine Providence blessed Tlaxcala abundantly through the centuries. No greater manifestation can be found than in the year 1631, when the great warrior archangel was sent to save the people from mortal danger and shower blessings on future generations.

The year 1631 saw the people of Tlaxcala, Mexico ravaged by a plague. Called “cocolixtli” by the inhabitants, the horrible disease left few alive after immense sufferings. As had been done throughout the Catholic world since Saint Gregory’s time, on April 25th the people of Tlaxcala took part in the procession of the Greater Litanies.

It was here that Saint Michael chose to manifest himself   to a lowly Indian. Diego de San Lazaro, only seventeen years old at the time, saw Saint Michael in a vision at the conclusion of the procession. The heavenly warrior addressed him thus:

“I am Saint Michael the Archangel, and I have come to tell you that it is the will of God and mine that you tell the inhabitants of this place, and everywhere around, that near a valley between two mountain ridges you will find a miraculous spring of water that will cure men of their ills. You will find it beneath a great boulder. Do not doubt what I have told you and do not neglect what I have sent you to do.”