December 12, 2007

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

photo: Francisco Kochen

Today, December 12, on one of the most important days in Mexico, when pilgrims from all across the country pay homage to Mexico’s Patron Saint, Our Lady of Guadalupe, I wanted to share with you what I think is a beautiful image of the Virgin. This presentation of the Virgin of Guadalupe is artistically woven into the fabric of a sacred vestment found in the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City. This is one of the many photographs of exquisite textiles that are part of the book, Hilos del cielo a project that I have been working on for the past two years.

Hilos del cielo was a labor of love, a product of my fascination with Mexico, its people, its history and its culture. I still remember the sense of awe I felt as a child when I visited the Cathedral in Mexico City for the first time. As U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, I continue my quest to experience as much of this beautiful country as possible.

The extraordinary collection of vestments, evidence of timeless beauty and craftsmanship, is composed primarily of pieces from the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Over fifty years ago these vestments were retired from daily use as a result of the reforms decreed by the Church in Vatican II. It is unlikely that recent generations have had the opportunity to appreciate these precious works of art. I hope that the photos and text in Hilos del cielo will give you a sense of their majesty.

Recognition, gratitude and credit must be given to all of the participants who helped to breathe life into this effort. I would like to thank especially the sponsors of this project, particularly Jose Luis Llamas from Deutsche Bank and Ricardo Amtmann from Laboratorios Sanfer. This endeavor would not have succeeded without the generous support of Deutsche Bank and Laboratorios Sanfer. When obstacles arose, they were loyal, patient and full of solutions. The valuable teams of Deutsche Bank and Laboratorios Sanfer nurtured Hilos del cielo through the initial development stages and helped to make our long-awaited dream come true.

foto: Francisco Kochen

One individual deserving special recognition is Father Jose de Jesus Aguilar, who has been a dear friend to me. During my early days as Ambassador, I visited the Cathedral often. I’ve seen sunrises from the Cathedral rooftop and enjoyed afternoons watching the sunset over a Zocalo filled with life. I’ve marveled at the altar and listened to the organ within the choir stalls. And during difficult moments have been able to find solitude within the Cathedral’s many chapels. All of this was possible because Father José de Jesús took the time to introduce me to the Cathedral and its treasures. Father Jose de Jesus provided the inspiration for the concept of the Hilos del cielo book and I thank him from the bottom of my heart.

I would also like to thank the valuable collaboration of Ambassador Alfonso de Maria y Campos and his team at the National Institute of Anthropology and History, who provided expertise in the Hilos del cielo creative process, in large part through its esteemed scholar, Virginia Armella de Aspe. An essential aspect of this book is the magical photography produced by the extraordinary artist Francisco Kochen, whose eye brought out the beauty of the sacred vestments in vibrant detail. Additionally, many thanks to MVS Editorial’s Maria Vargas and her exceptional team who embraced this initiative and finalized the Hilos del cielo project through diligent and steadfast work.

Most importantly, I thank Archbishop Primate of Mexico, Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, Father Ruben de Avila and the Diocese of the Metropolitan Cathedral for blessing Hilos del cielo by opening up the treasures in the sacristy to the people of Mexico and the world.

Mexico has blessed me in many different ways. Of all these blessings, the most important one has been and will continue to be my loving wife, Mariasun. She gives me the inspiration and strength to confront life’s everyday challenges. Without her love, none of this would ever be possible.

I hope you enjoy this collection and wish you much peace and joy during the holiday season and in the New Year.

Click here to view more images from the book Hilos del cielo

Sincerely,

Antonio O. Garza, Jr.

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