Diocese in Mexico takes penitential day to the farthest hearts

With the purpose of “taking Jesus sacramented to the furthest hearts,” the Diocese of Tenancingo, in the State of Mexico, has launched a penitential day in local markets, with the aim of bringing people closer to the grace of God.

This initiative was announced by Mons. Víctor Carabés Chávez, local bishop, who in an interview with ACI Press, stressed that the day has the purpose of “being an exit church and bringing people closer to grace.”

In the context of the Jubileo de la Esperanza 2025, the Bishop explained that this day seeks to make the emotion of the jubilee year and remember all the faithful that “Christ is close, grace is close, and that we do not put pretexts.” “The Lord calls us to conversion, calls us to grace, and then we are instruments to take it all.”

The day began on April 7 in the Tonatico market, and the bishop expressed his surprise for the great reception that the initiative had. “They even closed the businesses, because we took the Blessed Sacrament. In a specific area, giving him all the solemnity it requires, because the Most Holy was going to be,” said Mons. Carabés Chávez.

During the market experience, he said that, when they took the Blessed Sacrament, “people stood.” “There we see that all there is respect, that there is faith in our people,” he added.

In addition, a space was enabled for the sick, who were taken in wheelchairs, with crutches or loaded by other people.

Mons. Carabés Chávez acknowledged that there are people who, for various reasons, cannot attend temples. “We ask ourselves, what about these people who go to the square and need to confess or need a blessing? You have to approach, we must give ourselves, and we are going to do so in the other three deanatos,” he said.

The penitential day will continue with visits to other markets: on April 10 in the Tenancingo market, on April 29 in Texcaltitlán and May 8 on the farm (flower market).

The bishop also explained that this day is not an isolated event, but part of a set of initiatives, including visits to prisoners, hospitals and groups of alcoholics.

The activity, which is carried out with the authorization of civil authorities and markets, seeks to reach everyone, especially those who do not usually participate regularly in ecclesiastical activities.

“The grace of reconciliation is not directed exclusively to the faithful who attend the parishes or cathedrals, but to all people, especially those who do not usually participate,” concluded Mons. Carabés Chávez.