Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) – Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, Archbishop of Mexico City, has declared a “Jubilee Year of Xochimilco, beginning today, May 20 until May 20, 2010, for the 475th anniversary of the construction of the Church dedicated to Saint Bernardine of Siena in Xochimilco.
In a decree, the Cardinal proclaims the jubilee year, which will begin today on the feast of Saint Bernardine of Siena: “The Church in the Archdiocese of Mexico City has inherited a great history of nearly 500 centuries...thus, we cannot pass up this opportunity to celebrate the 475th anniversary of the foundation of the Church of Saint Bernardine of Siena in Xochimilco.”
The Cardinal explains that the jubilee year should be “an occasion for participation for all members of the people of God in Xochimilco,” and expressed his desire that this event “lead to great initiatives for historical and cultural reflection as to the role of this center of irradiation of Christ...may it be a time of memory and pride for our cultural roots in the first evangelization and a time for new light for out present apostolic activity.”
The decree includes a Plenary Indulgence and Partial Indulgence for those who fulfill certain requirements. To obtain the Plenary Indulgence, one must participate with devotion and in public in a solemn celebration of the 475th anniversary and must have the necessary conditions linked to the sacrament of confession, receiving the Eucharist, and praying for the Holy Father's intentions. This indulgence can be gained from today to May 20, 2010. In the case of the Partial Indulgence, the Archbishop asks that with the same spirit, the faithful visit the Church or one of the parishes, rectories, or chapels in the traditional neighborhoods or towns surrounding Xochimilco. This can be done on any 20th of any month, until the close of the Jubilee Year and it is asked that they reflect on the gift of faith received for the evangelization, the witness of adhesion to the Apostolic See (prayers for the Holy Father), and prayers for families and for the sick. Moreover, those prevented from doing so by illness or another legitimate cause, may participate in the Plenary Indulgence “if they spiritually unite themselves to the jubilee celebrations of the Parish of Saint Bernardine of Siena, offering their prayers and sufferings for the work of evangelization.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 20/05/2009)
