By Dr. Ruben Barron
On October 27, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in San Bernardino celebrated its 100th anniversary by once again crowning the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe that towers above the church’s sanctuary.
Multitudes of devoted parishioners and their neighbors gathered on a clear sunny day to celebrate the special Mass with Bishop Alberto Rojas. Concelebrating with Bishop Rojas were Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Rutilio del Riego, Father Francisco J. Varela Delgadillo, C.O.R.C., parish pastor, Monsignor Gerard Lopez, Vicar General, and Father Jose Reyes-Cedillo, C.O.R.C., parochial vicar.
Highlighting the event was a Papal Blessing, conferred by Bishop Rojas, and the offering of a Plenary Indulgence, which can now be received in the parish for the next 14 months until December 16, 2025. Father Varela read from the decree of plenary indulgences sent by Pope Francis to increase the faith of the faithful and the salvation of souls, granting to the faithful the plenary indulgence under the conditions of sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer. The elderly, the sick and all those who cannot leave their homes for serious reasons may also obtain the plenary indulgence.
Bishop Rojas spoke emotionally about conferring the Papal Blessing, “It is the first time in my life that I am going to give a blessing like this. I am a little nervous.”
The journey to the Jubilee Mass started a year ago. Bishop Rojas shared, “We agreed that I would send a letter to the Pope for permission to do the indulgence and the blessing and I did not think that this was going to happen. The Pope has many responsibilities and thousands of parishes in the world.”
The original crown for the parish’s image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was recently refurbished in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico. “They have good craftsmen there; the same ones who made the pontifical crown of Monterey,” noted Fr. Varela.
Temporary staircases were installed in the sanctuary of the church so that Bishop Rojas, Fr. Varela, Msgr. Lopez and Fr. Reyes could ascend to the top of the image for the crowning.
“We entrust all our families in this celebration by crowning this image of the Our Lady of Guadalupe after 100 years of her arrival and after so many blessings and so many ways Christ has been present in this community,” Bishop Rojas announced.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish was originally a small school. With the arrival of suffering refugees fleeing the Mexican Revolution, it became necessary to use the school on weekends as a mission under the name of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 1925, Father John O’Dowd was charged with building a church and organizing a parish.
Father Varela spoke of the Virgin’s appearance before buildings were constructed. “In the apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe, almost 500 years ago, her image was first stamped on the tilma of San Juan Diego and later the basilica was constructed. In our parish, first the image arrived and then the parish temple was built. That is why we will celebrate the 100 years of our parish in April 2026,” he said.
During the over two-hour Mass, the church remained entirely packed with standing room only. Many parishioners were children and young adults with a central role in the procession, bringing forth the gifts and ushering people. Outside the church, masses of parishioners participated reverently using folding chairs. Father Varela thanked them all for their participation.
Daniel Reyes Mora, a 15-year-old boy with great love for his church and service, walks to church with his family and serves as an altar boy. He said he feels a strong sense of devotion. “Christ is present in the church and it means a lot to me to be a part of it. I want to become a priest so I can continue serving,” he said.
Christopher Arriaga felt doubly-blessed on a very special day for him. “It was really important for me to come for the coronation of the Virgin and especially receiving the Eucharist from the Bishop. It’s a big part of my birthday. I turned 19 today.”
Cassandra Gonzalez is a student at the University of California, Irvine who attends Mass weekly. “I didn’t just come here because of the coronation. I am trying to get closer to God and this is a blessing for me. I took in the gospel and hope to strengthen my faith even more,” she said.
Jonathan Macias Meza, a parishioner at St. Mary, Fontana, was part of an enthusiastic Aztec dance group dressed in colorful regalia. “I’m here dancing for the Virgin Mary because it brings fulfillment to my heart,” he said. For almost 20 years, Federico Cabrera Salazar has been a parishioner at Our Lady of Guadalupe, where his family received the sacraments and serves the church.
“I am feeling something very special that I did not expect to receive, like Bishop Rojas never giving a papal blessing before,” he said.
Georgina Ramírez was excited to be at the Mass for the coronation and invited others to visit the church. “It was a grace on all the people who were here. I felt that the Holy Spirit was poured out on this day. We hope that every Sunday people come back to Our Lady of Guadalupe,” she said.
Mauricio Moran has been an active parishioner for almost 30 years. He normally attends a different Mass but, like so many others, made a point of being here for the official coronation and indulgences. “Although we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe every year, this one was special. I wanted to be here for the coronation by Bishop Rojas,” he said.
Dr. Ruben Barron is a spiritual director and freelance writer based in Yorba Linda.