Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) – The Mexican Bishops’ Conference (CEM) announced that this April 20, in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, there will be a Mass with all the Bishops and the Apostolic Nuncio to renew the consecration of Mexico to the Holy Spirit, which first took place in 1924, during the National Eucharistic Congress. In a statement signed by the CEM Secretary General Bishop Jose Leopoldo Gonzales, the Bishops explained that they had decided to hold this event, “in light of this crucial time we are living in, marked by economic crisis, widespread violence, drug-trafficking, kidnapping, and the loss of human values.” They also ask that all priests and faithful become aware of the “grace that Mexico received 85 years ago, and that they join us in thanking God and that, through prayer, study, and personal reflection, they may prepare themselves to renew this national Consecration to the Holy Spirit.”
The text recalls that in 1924, the Bishops consecrated the country to the Holy Spirit. However, the event took place almost unbenownst to the people, during the National Eucharistic Congress, which is why it was later ratified by each diocese on Pentecost 1925. “This Consecration is an act of faith and hope whereby we show our steadfast confidence in Christ, the Lord of History, who guides our steps with the wisdom and strength of His Spirit, in these times of difficulty,” the text said. They also recall that consecrating the country to the Holy Spirit is not only an act of devotion, but it is “becoming aware of the fact that God has chosen us for Himself, for His service, to yield fruits of holiness,” which implies a sincere conversion of each and every person, not as a merely passing event, “but as a permanent process of conversion and surrender in an active faith and loving commitment, through which we respond to the Spirit’s action, so that He can transform us so we reflect Christ’s figure in our lives and in our family, educational, economic, political, and religious circumstances.”
The CEM recalled that as Catholics, “we were consecrated to Him in Baptism and Confirmation and our donation that we now wish to reiterate means freely and conscientiously accepting Him once more.” They also invite the faithful to present themselves with humility before God, “acknowledging that we need to be saved, insisting with confident prayer and willing to demonstrate our dedication in concrete actions.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 16/4/2009)
