A tilma, a heart: tilmas of the Virgin of Guadalupe will tour Mexico

On the occasion of the 500 years of the appearance of the Mother of God in Mexico, an initiative was launched that seeks to bring the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe to all the dioceses of the country, through the pilgrimage of a replica of the Sagrada Tilma of San Juan Diego.

In an interview with ACI Press, Eva Sánchez, executive secretary of the Ninth Intercontinental Guadalupana, explained that the proposal, entitled “A Tilma, A Heart”, is part of the Pastoral Strategic Plan provided until 2028. The objective of the project is “articulate the Guadalupan devotion in Mexico, in order to the unity of the country and peace.”

The initiative not only seeks to encourage veneration to the Virgin of Guadalupe, but also to promote a “deep spiritual renewal, unified under the protection

of Our Lady of Guadalupe, so that each community that receives the tilma becomes a abode or sacred house ”.

Sanchez explained that the tour begins in each diocese and includes visits to temples, parishes, sanctuaries and basilicas. He stressed that the purpose is to invite “everyone to open the doors of our communities and our hearts, to experience the maternal tenderness of Mary who tells us, as Juan Diego: ‘Am I not here that I am your mother?'”

In addition, he pointed out that liturgical materials have been distributed to accompany the enthronement, such as prayers, songs and rituals. Although each particular church adapts the dynamics to its reality, “some dioceses have pilgrimage to the basilica with this replica, others have joined the celebration of enthronement to the anniversary of the erection of the diocese or some other holiday.”

The project also promotes collaboration between diocese and contemplates the organization of Guadalupanos congresses, diplomas, catechesis programs and other training actions.

One of the distinctive elements of this pilgrimage is the participation of the so -called “juandieguitos”, people responsible for accompanying the replica during their journey. According to the Executive Secretary, they will listen to “the needs of the community, facilitate the encounter between the Virgin and the people and promote concrete actions of reconstruction of the social fabric.”

Among the fruits that are expected of this experience is the “renewal of Christocentric faith through Marian mediation”, as well as the “revitalization of communities with a synodal spirit” and the “consolidation of the network of Marian sanctuaries as host and hope spaces.”

On the social level, the initiative aspires to promote “reconciliation and peace in contexts of violence and polarization”, in addition to encouraging the “social commitment that encourages solidarity” and the “strengthening of Mexican and Latin American cultural identity.”

“The simplicity of ayate invites us to dress from the love presence of Mary, carry it and take it to all corners of the country and the continent, becoming messengers of hope as was the Indian Juan Diego,” said Sánchez.