Archbishop Gomez Releases New Pastoral Letter
The 20,000-word document calls for a missionary awakening as the Catholic Church prepares for the 2031 Guadalupe anniversary.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Catholicism
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Archbishop Jose H. Gomez has released a new pastoral letter titled The Wonder of America to foster spiritual renewal among local Catholics. The 20,000-word reflection explores the history and meaning of the Guadalupe apparitions in Los Angeles and beyond.
Why it matters
The archbishop aims to prepare the faithful for a time of spiritual renewal leading up to the 500th anniversary of the Guadalupe apparitions in 2031. This initiative serves as a call for a missionary awakening to deepen the Catholic faith within the community.
The pastoral letter spans approximately 20,000 words and references the 16th-century Nican Mopohua text. Archbishop Gomez has authored three such letters since 2010.
The players
Jose H. Gomez
He is the Archbishop of Los Angeles and serves as the primary leader for the local Catholic community.
The details
The letter includes a list of American saints, blesseds, and venerables to highlight the impact of the Guadalupe apparitions. The text grounds its spiritual message in the history of Tepeyac Hill and the ongoing mission of the church.
Timeline
September 8, 2026: The pastoral letter was formally dated.
October 22, 2026: The pastoral letter was released to the public.
2031: The 500th anniversary of the Guadalupe apparitions.
2033: The Extraordinary Jubilee marking 2,000 years since the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Culture Shift
The archbishop's call for renewal aligns with the long-term spiritual trajectory of the Church as it approaches the 2031 Jubilee of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This shift emphasizes historical identity and missionary outreach as central components of modern faith practice.
Residents may notice an increased focus on Guadalupe-themed programming and spiritual events across local parishes. This transition requires followers to engage with the provided historical texts to participate in the upcoming missionary awakening.
The takeaway
Archbishop Gomez emphasizes the historical significance of the Guadalupe apparitions to connect the faith to modern American life. Readers can reflect on these teachings as a way to engage more deeply with their own community and spiritual history.
Further reading
For more information on local religious initiatives, visit the Catholicism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Angelus News.
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