Pope Leo XIV grants Guadalupan Jubilee Year for basilica's 50th anniversary
The jubilee, granted through the Apostolic Penitentiary, opens on October 12 and closes on October 12, 2027, and carries a plenary indulgence. It marks 50 years since the dedication of the new Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe in Mexico City
Pope Leo XIV has granted a Guadalupan Jubilee Year through the Apostolic Penitentiary. It begins on October 12 and ends on October 12, 2027. Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, Archbishop Primate of Mexico, announced it on September 9 with "profound joy and gratitude." He said the jubilee marks the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the new Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe and of the transfer of the sacred image, which took place on October 12, 1976. The same date is also the 131st anniversary of the pontifical coronation of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Aguiar Retes said the words "Am I not here, I who am your Mother?" remain a standing invitation from the shrine, where she continues to welcome each of the sons and daughters of the Mexican people. The cardinal will celebrate a solemn Mass at noon on October 12 to declare the jubilee officially open.
Plenary indulgence and conditions
During the Jubilee Year, the faithful who visit the Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe with devotion and a contrite spirit may obtain a plenary indulgence for themselves or apply it to the souls in purgatory. Aguiar Retes said the usual conditions set by the Church apply: sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, recitation of the Creed and prayer for the intentions of the pope.
Taking part in liturgical services or spending time in prayer at the basilica also allows the faithful to obtain the indulgence, provided those canonical conditions are met.
Opening celebrations
The Archdiocese of Mexico has published a full schedule of events for October 11 and 12 to prepare for and open the jubilee. Celebrations begin on Sunday, October 11, with solemn Lauds at 8:30 a.m., followed by the chapter Mass. Sunday Mass at noon will be presided over by Aguiar Retes, with solemn Vespers for the dedication of the new basilica at 5 p.m. and a gathering for priests in the Main Sacristy at 6 p.m.
On Monday, October 12, the opening day, the schedule starts with solemn Lauds and the chapter Mass at 8:30 a.m. At 11 a.m. a video recalling the dedication of the new basilica and the transfer of the sacred image will be shown. At noon the cardinal will preside at the solemn Mass of the Roses and the opening of the Holy Door. A gathering for priests follows in the Plaza Mariana at 2 p.m., an archdiocesan Rosary at 5 p.m., a concert for the 50th anniversary at 6 p.m., and the Rosary of Guadalupan Love at 7 p.m.
Aguiar Retes invited the faithful to watch for further jubilee events to be announced at the basilica.
