The Church in Venezuela

The Diocese of El Vigía-San Carlos del Zulia will elevate the San Francisco de Asís Rectory to the status of a parish on Saturday, September 19. Monsignor Juan de Dios Peña Rojas, the Bishop-elect of Barinas and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of El Vigía-San Carlos del Zulia, will preside over the solemn Mass at 6:30 p.m. to present the official decree and begin the liturgical rites for the new parish.

The decision follows efforts by Monsignor Peña Rojas to strengthen pastoral presence in the region during his 11 years serving the diocese. According to the diocese, the new parish structure will cover 14 communities or sectors to ensure direct pastoral care for residents. The elevation also recognizes the long-term work of priests, seminarians, and laypeople in the area. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Diocesan Curia by Father Yovany Torres, rector of the rectory, and Father Cecilio Vergara, the diocesan communications director.

Bishop Owaldo Enrique Araque Valero of Guanare has called for the Coromoto Jubilee Year 2026-2027 to prepare for two major anniversaries. The jubilee began on September 8, 2026, which marks the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the anniversary of the second appearance of Our Lady of Coromoto in Venezuela.

The celebrations honor 375 years since the appearance in 1652 and 75 years since the canonical coronation on September 11, 1952. Bishop Araque Valero announced the jubilee on June 9, 2026.

The apparitions occurred in Guanare, in the state of Portuguesa. According to the report, the first appearance took place in mid-1651 or early 1652, when a woman carrying a child was seen walking on water. The second appearance occurred on September 8, 1652.