The New Evangelization at The Basilica Of Our Lady Of San Juan Del Valle

In the spirit of Pope John Paul II’s exhortation for a New Evangelization (Ecclesia In America), we have adopted a comprehensive approach to our ministry and apostolate in the Basilica. Everything we do here should be about communicating The Good News of Jesus Christ. Such an approach has inspired the formation of four new offices, besides those that are already in place. These new offices are:

1. Media Communication
   
   This office looks into ways media can be used as a means for evangelization. Some of the projects in progress are: A magazine, audiovisuals, radio show, Music CD, and an interactive website.
   
   
2. Mission and Solidarity
   
   This office promotes the devotion to Our Lady of San Juan del Valle by establishing partnerships between the Basilica and poor communities in the Americas. The basilica will modestly assist in the finance aspect of building chapels and dedicating them to Our Lady of San Juan del Valle. Also, the partnership contemplates at least two catechetical missionary visits form our youth volunteers as well as corporal works of mercy. Eight communities have been identified and contacted already. These are: Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico City, Real de Catorce, Saltillo, Monterrey, Reynosa, and Alamo Texas. The formation of “Cofradias” is an important part of this apostolate.
   
   
3. Catechesis and Spiritual Development
   
   Catechism is a vital part of the New Evangelization. Catechism classes are offered to members of different apostolic movements as well as to the faithful thirty minutes before some of the Sunday Masses. In addition, Sr. Emma teaches special courses on prayer in order to prepare intercessors that assist us in our ministry and apostolate to pilgrims.
   
   
4. Care of Pilgrims
   
   This office is intended to promote pilgrimages in our diocese and outside. This office is to assist church leaders in the preparation of groups of pilgrims as well as to facilitate each experience to be a spiritual, sacramental and healing one.

The New Evangelization is a direct responsibility and duty of the rector. While much of this work is being done with the help of some volunteers, a full-time coordinator will be needed in the future.