This 1823-2023 marks the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Señor de la Columna

Published March 5th, 2023

Yes, the sacred images of Sr. de la Columna, María Santísima de los Dolores, and El Apóstol San Juan will return, in the 200th edition of the traditional visit or bringing of the venerated images. So far it is known that the arrival on this occasion will be on March 26, 2023, from Atotonilco to San Juan de Dios.

This traditional event and permanence of approximately 18 days in the Temple of San Juan de Dios, in past editions have gathered; 36 thousand people, 54 masses have been officiated, 18 thousand communions are given and around 3 thousand 600 people are confessed, and countless visits of the population from many parts of the municipality of San Miguel de Allende, how from different parts of the country, such as; State of Hidalgo, State of Mexico, from the state of Guanajuato, such as; Comonfort, Dolores Hidalgo, etc., This according to data since 2016 by the ecclesiastical authority. While in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the presence of 12 thousand parishioners was registered, according to information from civil protection, who accompanied the arrival of the sacred images of Sr. De la Columna, María Santísima de los Dolores and El Apóstol San Juan.

The Ancient and Traditional Bringing of Our Lord of the Column, from the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazarene in Atotonilco, to the rectory of the temple of San Juan de Dios in San Miguel de Allende is anxiously awaited by the parishioners and it is expected that the preparations for this 200th-anniversary edition will materialize plans such as; commemorative gold work, new attire, invitations to the people who initiated this adoration and much more.

The departure from the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazarene in Atotonilco is usually around 23:30hrs, to pass through the most marked stops or rests such as; the Cross of Forgiveness around 03:00hrs, then the Miguel Hidalgo neighborhood to arrive very early in the morning to Independence Avenue, where all night the neighbors make decorations, carpets, floral arrangements and fireworks with shapes of the Virgin, faces of Jesus, images of Saints.

This traditional event has the characteristic that the Diocese of Celaya, comes with the Bishop to attest to the facts. This 2023 the church is celebrating!