The Jubilee Year of Guadalupe, the old sanctuary in Extremadura, Spain, kicked off on Aug. 2, 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. The Archdiocese of Toledo asked for an extension, which the Holy See granted. The Jubilee will be celebrated until next September.
That's why at his recent ad limina visit, Archbishop Francisco Cerro communicated a clear message to the Pope.
ABP. FRANCISCO CERRO
Archbishop of Toledo (Spain)
“Many people take advantage of that pilgrimage to go to confession, to receive the Lord through communion and to celebrate the Jubilee with the Eucharist. It's a very joyful and fruitful experience. I thanked the Pope for extending the Jubilee of Guadalupe. It was a blessing from God for the entire Archdiocese of Toledo, for Extremadura and all of Spain.”
The reality is that the coronavirus has not diminished this old devotion to Our Lady, especially popular in Castilla and Extremadura.
ABP. FRANCISCO CERRO
Archbishop of Toledo (Spain)
“The number of pilgrimages is especially high on weekends, when anywhere from 15 to 30 groups participate. Pilgrimages completed by young people have not been as massive, perhaps because of the lockdown, but there have been many, and they have been very beautiful.”
Of his meeting with the Pope, the Archbishop of Toledo remembers being struck by the serenity and hope the pontiff transmits.
ABP. FRANCISCO CERRO
Archbishop of Toledo (Spain)
“That creativity, with a pope who is constantly worried about finding new ways to reach the people, to evangelize young people, so that Christianity remains attractive. How can we announce Jesus Christ today so that many young people follow Him?”
The first Jubilee Year of Guadalupe was established by Pope Paul III in 1536. The hope now is that its extension will re-energize the archdiocese.
AO
TR: CT
