The appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego had a profound effect on Mexican society. The indigenous people could see in the mother of Jesus someone who was dark-skinned as they were and who spoke their native language. After the appearance of the Virgin of Guadalupe in 1521, many indigenous people accepted Christianity because of its special concern for the poor and suffering in society. In 1810 the Mexican struggle for independence began when Father Miguel Hidalgo took the image of Guadalupe from the altar of his church and led the people with the cry “Long live the Virgin of Guadalupe.” She has continued to be invoked in the struggle for workers’ rights, fair treatment for poor people, and respect for indigenous cultures.