By Delia Ruelas

With the presence of Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Tijuana, Monsignor Mario Nicolás Villanueva Arellano, current Rector of the Diocesan Seminary, the Purépecha community residing in Constitución, third section, celebrated the Patron Saint Festival of San Jerónimo.

The celebration of the community’s patron saint began with a procession featuring the image of the saint through the streets, culminating at the chapel dedicated to San Jerónimo, where the monsignor and other priests offered a mass, followed by a grand fiesta filled with food and folkloric dances.

During the homily, Monsignor Villanueva acknowledged the efforts of the collectors—individuals dedicated to improving their community—and called for prayers for the restoration of Lake Pátzcuaro, which is facing drought issues.

He said that he hails from Pénjamo, Michoacán, a region also known for its Purépecha heritage, expressing his admiration and respect for the community’s traditions. “The Archdiocese is a land of migrants from various backgrounds…” he remarked.

At the time of the offerings, the group of prayer leaders from the Cristo de Carácuaro brotherhood approached the altar to present their offerings, showcasing traditional attire and performing a traditional dance.

At the conclusion of the event, Monsignor Villanueva blessed a new image of the Virgin of Guadalupe that will be housed in the temple and offered blessings to the families present before mingling with the community, who treated him to traditional foods such as fish stew, corundas, and other dishes, ending with the traditional “Baile de los Viejitos” and other dances.

“I had heard from the archbishop and seen photographs of the celebrations in previous years, but experiencing it firsthand is different,” he said.

“I am truly moved because I see that this community lives its identity and actively participates in the society that has embraced them. They are also Baja Californians,” he said, thanking the community for its warm reception.