Monsignor Salvador Martinez, Rector of the Basilica of Guadalupe, has Stated that the Marian Shrine “has regained the momentum it had before” the Pandemic.
Newsroom (03/03/2023 14:50, Gaudium Press) After two years of restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, located in Mexico City, has seen an increase in the number of pilgrims.
Sanctuary Has Regained the Momentum It Had Before
According to Monsignor Salvador Martinez Avila, rector of the Basilica of Guadalupe, the Marian shrine “has recovered the impetus it had before”. In an interview with ACI Prensa, he explained that “some pilgrimages had to be suspended for two years, others up to three”, but now many of them have recovered their strength and have returned to visit the Basilica.
Gradual Return of Pilgrims to the Basilica of Guadalupe
In 2020, because of the pandemic, pilgrimages to the Basilica of Guadalupe were suspended and access to the Marian Shrine remained closed on the feast of the patroness, December 12. The following year, the authorities allowed access to the shrine, but under a special protocol. Only in December 2022, the Shrine was fully reopened to pilgrims, reaching the historic number of 12.5 million visitors.
Celebrations For The 500th Anniversary Of The Marian Apparitions
As part of the preparations for the celebration for the 500th anniversary of the Marian apparitions that took place in 1531, Pope Francis announced on December 12, 2022, a nine-year novena dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. In the context of this novena and the upcoming celebration of the “second millennium of redemption in 2033,” the Basilica “has resumed a very noticeable vigor in this year 2023,” said Monsignor Martinez. (EPC)
Compiled by Florence MacDonald
