The fervor and devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe are poised to write a new chapter in the religious history of Mexico and the Catholic world. With profound joy and gratitude, Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, Archbishop of Mexico City, officially announced that Pope Leo XIV has granted a Guadalupan Jubilee Year through the Apostolic Penitentiary. This special time of grace is instituted on the occasion of a highly significant date for the faithful: the fiftieth anniversary of the Dedication of the New Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Transfer of the Sacred Image of Our Mother. That event, which took place on October 12, 1976, marked a milestone in the ecclesial life of the country, consolidating the modern temple as the home where the Virgin continues to await and welcome each of her children with her endearing words: “Am I not here, I who am your Mother?”

The great spiritual event will officially begin on October 12, a doubly significant date for devotees, as it also marks the 131st anniversary of the Pontifical Coronation of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Given this twofold cause for celebration, the Archbishop of Mexico City has extended a warm and enthusiastic invitation to the entire community to attend the solemn Eucharist he will preside over at noon, an event that will formally inaugurate this period of grace granted by the Holy See.

One of the most significant aspects of this Jubilee Year is the granting of a Plenary Indulgence to the faithful. As announced by Cardinal Aguiar Retes, pilgrims who visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe with devotion and contrition will be able to obtain it. To do so, believers must participate in a liturgical service or dedicate time to prayer within the Basilica, fulfilling the usual conditions established by the Catholic Church, which include sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, the recitation of the Creed, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father. This spiritual grace may be applied both to oneself and to the holy souls in Purgatory.

To properly frame this event, the Archdiocese of Mexico has released a detailed schedule of the preparatory and inaugural liturgical events and celebrations that will take place on October 11 and 12. The commemorative acts will begin on Sunday, October 11, at 8:30 a.m. with Solemn Lauds and the Chapter Mass, followed at noon by the traditional Sunday Mass presided over by Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes himself. The Sunday program will continue in the afternoon with the recitation of Solemn Vespers for the dedication of the church at 5:00 p.m., and a gathering for priests in the Main Sacristy at 6:00 p.m.

The main celebrations will intensify on Monday, October 12, beginning again with Solemn Lauds and the Chapter Mass at 8:30 a.m. At 11:00 a.m., those gathered at the Basilica will be able to enjoy a video presentation that will relive the key moments of the dedication of the new Basilica and the transfer of the Sacred Image half a century ago. The highlight of the morning will arrive at noon with the celebration of the Mass of the Roses and the eagerly awaited opening of the Holy Door, solemnly presided over by Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes.

The festive program will continue throughout the rest of the day to welcome the pilgrims and priests gathered. At 2:00 p.m., a priestly gathering will take place in Plaza Mariana, while in the afternoon, communal prayer will take center stage with the recitation of the Archdiocesan Rosary at 5:00 p.m. As a grand finale to this opening, the Basilica will host a commemorative concert for the 50th anniversary at 6:00 p.m., culminating the day at 7:00 p.m. with the devout Rosary of Our Lady of Guadalupe within the sacred space, thus marking the beginning of a year that will be etched in the memory of the Mexican Catholic Church.