Pilgrims may arrive at the Basilica of Guadalupe, but not spend the night there

Unlike a year ago, on December 12 the Basilica of Guadalupe will keep its doors open for the arrival of pilgrims during the Guadalupan festivities.

The Archdiocese of Mexico announced that there will be sanitary measures to prioritize the safety of the attendees, who will be informed by civil and ecclesial authorities in the coming days.

One of the measures, as announced by Monsignor Salvador Martínez, rector of the Basilica, is that pilgrims will not be allowed to stay overnight in the atrium and in the Plaza Mariana, as usual.

In addition, he summoned the faithful to visit the sanctuary throughout the remainder of November and all of December, to avoid crowds on the 11th and 12th of the celebration.

A year ago: Gallery: the Basilica of Guadalupe, empty for the first time on December 12

Through its Sunday editorial, From the Faith, the Archdiocese Primada of Mexico called on the Guadalupano faithful to carry out the festivities “responsibly”, and to be attentive to the indications of the civil and religious authorities.

“This year we must not lower our guard, because the risk of the pandemic is still latent and we are responsible for our health and that of our neighbors. As Guadalupano devotees we believe in the love and maternal protection of Our Mother in Heaven. As his children, we are called to take care of our life and that of our brothers, ”he wrote.

A year ago, given the rebound in COVID-19 cases in the country, the doors of the Basilica of Guadalupe were closed, from December 10 to 13, in order to avoid crowds of millions of faithful who visit it every year.

It was the first time that the sanctuary closed its doors during Guadalupan celebrations and the face-to-face dynamics migrated to the digital space.