With the reading of the Decrees, the Sanctuary was placed under the custody of the Legion of Christ and the canonical appointment of the parish priest and rector was made, Fr. Luis Pablo Garza, L.C., and vicar, Fr. Juan Pablo Ledesma, L.C.

At noon on May 31st, the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the consecration of the “Sanctuary-Parish of Mary, Untier of Knots”, in Cancún took place. Bishop Pedro Pablo Elizondo, L.C., local bishop, presided over the Eucharistic celebration, which was also concelebrated by 12 priests, including Fathers Alberto Simán, L.C., territorial director of the Legionaries of Christ in Mexico and Central America, and Rodolfo Mayagoitia, L.C., his delegate for the Diocese of Cancún-Chetumal.

A large number of faithful and pilgrims also participated, both in person and through social media, along with the governor of the State of Quintana Roo, Mrs. Mara Lezama, other political leaders, friends, and benefactors of the sanctuary.

For the canonical erection that elevated the Parish to the status of Diocesan Sanctuary, Canon Law (cc. 1230-1236) specifies some requirements such as: being a pilgrimage destination, having a particular piety or veneration, the presence of pilgrims, pastoral care for the faithful through preaching, liturgical life, and the celebration of the Eucharist and the sacrament of penance, among others.

Since its inception, 8 years ago, the Sanctuary has been establishing itself as a destination for national and international pilgrimage. It currently hosts an average of 15,000 people weekly. These pilgrims visit and pray in one of the 6 chapels within the Sanctuary and walk along the paths, where it is possible to hang white ribbons with petitions to the Virgin Mary (or colored ones if grace or favor has already been granted).

The Sanctuary has been establishing itself as a destination for national and international pilgrimage. It currently hosts an average of 15,000 people weekly.

In the homily of consecration, Bishop Pedro Pablo highlighted the work of the Legionaries of Christ and the intercession of our Mother, under the invocation that is made to her in that sanctuary: [This is a] “place of encounter with God through Mary, of many blessings and miracles. The Virgin may not have appeared, but she certainly manifests herself. [It is a] Place of petitions, comfort, forgiveness, and reconciliation.”

During the celebration, the altar containing relics of the first Roman martyrs, the first Jesuits, and Blessed Carlo Acutis was consecrated.

With the reading of the Decrees, the Sanctuary was placed under the custody of the Legion of Christ and the appointment of the parish priest and rector was made, Fr. Luis Pablo Garza, LC, and Fr. Juan Pablo Ledesma, LC, as vicar. Also, Fr. Federico Juárez, LC, provides pastoral support at the Sanctuary.

At the end of the Eucharistic concelebration, the governor of the state expressed gratitude for the work carried out for the benefit of citizens and publicly testified to her faith.

Fr. Luis Pablo tells us: “We invite Legionaries and members of Regnum Christi to pilgrimage and to experience Mary, Untier of Knots. Her devotion is spreading in various chapels and places across the Mexican republic and in other countries.” He concludes: “As Legionaries of Christ, works like the sanctuary make present the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and foster a love that is real, personal, and passionate for Christ and tender and filial toward our Mother.”

Days later, two more events related to the Sanctuary took place: the presentation of the new book about the Sanctuary, at the Nizuc Hotel, with the presence of the Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo, friends, and benefactors; and subsequently, the first family race in which 500 runners participated.

Photographs: Sanctuary of Mary, Untier of Knots