Cardinal Jose Francisco Robles Ortega, Guadalajara’s new archbishop, will make his first official visit to Chapala on Sunday, July 8 to the lead the Virgin of Zapopan’s traditional summer pilgrimage to the community.
Robles Ortega was invested as the head of the Guadalajara Archdiocese last February, succeeding Juan Sandoval Iñiguez after an 18-year stint in the post.
The diminutive image representing the Virgin of Expectation, has reigned for more than 450 years as Jalisco’s principal religious patroness and a holy shield against strife, plagues and natural disasters.
Revered as a channel for divine intervention to protect Lake Chapala, she is credited with its miraculous recovery from crippling droughts in the mid-1950’s and the early years of this century. In 2009 the icon was crowned Reina del Lago (Queen of the Lake), the latest of many honorary titles.Her annual July visit to Chapala is booked as a prayer fest for a bountiful rainy season. She returns in the fall for a pilgrimage of thanksgiving.
Under this weekend’s itinerary, the local populace will congregate Sunday morning, 10 a.m., at the north end of Avenida Madero to welcome the Lake Queen and her entourage. A huge honor guard from her home basilica, splendidly outfitted Indian dance troupes and a hoard of pilgrims will accompany her for a procession to the steps of the San Francisco parish.
The Cardinal will preside at the outdoor celebration of the Mass, set for noon. Immediately afterward, the Virgin will be carried to the waterfront for a blessing over the lake, and then returned to the church for an overnight vigil. Cultural activities will be staged outside from 4 p.m.
The next day the icon will be taken aboard a tourist launch for a customary nautical procession to the Isla de los Alacranes, departing from the Malecon at 9:30 a.m. Back on terra firma, La Zapopana will remain on display from 1 to 3 p.m. Masses and a farewell prayer service starting at 4 p.m.