**Tijuana Hosts First Diocesan Guadalupano Congress**
The inaugural Diocesan Guadalupano Congress began this past Saturday in Tijuana, bringing together church leaders as part of a series of events to celebrate the upcoming 500th anniversary of the apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe at Tepeyac Hill. The opening ceremony took place at the newly constructed Metropolitan Cathedral dedicated to Santa María de Guadalupe in the Zona Río area, where Archbishop Francisco Moreno Barrón emphasized the importance of this significant milestone.
In his opening address, Archbishop Moreno Barrón announced a nine-year novena starting this year and culminating in 2031 to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe’s apparitions to San Juan Diego. He stressed that this novena’s primary aim is to foster a sense of fraternity and unity among the Mexican people, rather than creating a physical structure.
He also noted that the Archdiocese of Tijuana is still in the process of building the metropolitan cathedral, which is set to become a landmark. The cathedral’s design includes crypts and a baptismal area, and it is expected to become a place akin to “the Tepeyac of Tijuana.”
The event marked the beginning of a series of nine congresses that will feature lectures by priests on Marian themes, including the life of the Virgin, her miracles, and spiritual reflections.
**Additional Related News**
In a related event highlighting cultural and religious initiatives in the region, the XVI Week of Children’s Theater also kicked off recently. This festival aims to introduce youths to the performing arts, focusing this year on themes of kindness and community reflection.
In other significant developments in Tijuana, local authorities are actively pursuing reforms to labor rights for workers in Baja California. The proposed changes are aimed at improving working conditions and ensuring equal opportunities for advancement. Meanwhile, a local anti-cancer campaign, “Let’s Beat Cancer,” is gaining traction with a mission to reduce breast cancer rates by encouraging lifestyle changes. These developments underscore a community-wide effort to foster social and personal well-being alongside cultural enrichment.
These initiatives and events are part of a broader push within Tijuana to strengthen community bonds and promote cultural and spiritual growth amidst exciting future milestones like the upcoming Guadalupe anniversary celebration.