December 12, 2020 marks the 125th anniversary of the coronation of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In what began primarily as a religious feast day in Mexico, the day is now celebrated in countries throughout Latin America and in the United States. The Holy Father is granting a plenary indulgence to all Catholics who celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe at home.
In the Diocese of Raleigh, Bishop Zarama will celebrate Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at 8:00pm with Mananitas to follow at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral.
On the mandate of Pope Francis, the Apostolic Penitentiary has extended the possibility to Catholics across the world to obtain a plenary indulgence as they celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Coronation of Our Lady of Guadalupe, from home, on December 12.
With the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City closed for her feast to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Pope said the faithful can receive a plenary indulgence for their Marian devotion if they follow certain conditions.
Mexico City Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes issued a letter announcing the indulgence. His letter was accompanied by the formal proclamation by Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary. Read letter (PDF)
To receive an indulgence, a remission of the temporal punishment of one's sins, the following conditions must be met. A person must:
- Prepare an altar or place of prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe at home.
- Watch a livestream or televised Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City on 12 December "actively participating… with devotion and with exclusive attention to the Eucharist."
- Complete the usual conditions for an indulgence by praying for the Pope's intentions, being in a state of grace after confession, attending a full Mass and receiving Communion.
The letter specifies that the last three conditions "can be fulfilled when public health guidance allow."
In this video, Father Bill John Acosta-Escobar, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena, Wake Forest, answers the question, “Why do we celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe?”