Guadalupan Institute established in San Antonio

The Archdiocese of San Antonio has established the Guadalupan Institute to research, teach, and spread knowledge about the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Father Rafael Becerra, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Helotes, said the institute intends to serve as a model for similar centers across the United States.

The institute launched its Truth about Guadalupe certificate program on Oct. 5 to prepare for the 500th anniversary of the apparitions in 2031. Monsignor Eduardo Chávez, director of the Higher Institute of Guadalupan Studies in Mexico City, teaches the course via video. The program includes approximately 60 students in English and nearly 90 in Spanish. Facilitators Alberto Mata and Javier Fernández are also assisting with the project. The diploma program is scheduled to conclude in April 2027.