By Rafael Matta Retana
Since yesterday at 11:30 a.m., when Monsignor Mario Casariego, auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese, read the corresponding pontifical bulls, the sanctuary of the Villa de Esquipulas was elevated to the rank of distinguished national and Central American basilica. This temple was inaugurated in January 1759.
The impressive ceremony, attended by thousands of parishioners and church leaders from Central America and Panama, began at 5 in the morning with low masses.
At 9 o’clock the solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament began, heading from the parish church to the historic sanctuary.
The president of the republic, general and engineer Miguel Ydígoras, also attended; the president of the Judicial Branch Hernán Morales Dardón; the president of the Legislature, Rubén Flores Avendaño; the capital’s mayor Luis Fernando Galich. Representatives of the governments of El Salvador and Honduras also attended.
Event attendees
The baroque temple was completely full and it was almost impossible to move inside. Pilgrims from different countries were in prayer. The sanctuary was beautifully illuminated as thousands of candles burned in the hands of parishioners.
A choir made up of members of Catholic schools in the capital sang religious songs. Monsignor Mariano Rosell y Arellano, archbishop of Guatemala and nullios prelate of Esquipulas officiated the mass. The bull was signed by Pope John XXIII on January 27, 1961 and was read in Latin and Spanish.
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This note is part of the commemorative series of our diamond wedding, it is a journey through news that marked the history of Guatemala, with original texts and images from each era, as a reliable testimony of our mission of service.
*Text of the original note with slight comments