On June 13, 2026, during the feast of Blessed Mercedes de Jesús Molina, the closure of the diocesan phase of the investigation of a possible miracle attributed to her intercession was announced. This event marks a new step in her canonization cause, 41 years after her beatification by Saint John Paul II in Guayaquil on February 1, 1985.
Closure of the diocesan investigation
The Thanksgiving Mass for the closure of this stage was celebrated in the Guayaquil Cathedral, presided over by Cardinal and Archbishop of the city, Monsignor Luis Cabrera Herrera. The ceremony coincided with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, on which occasion the prelate renewed the consecration of Ecuador to Jesus Christ. With this act, the investigation carried out in the Archdiocese of Guayaquil concludes, and the documents will be sent to Rome for study and evaluation according to the norms of the Church, as reported by the Santa Mariana de Jesús Institute.
Celebrations in Baba and Riobamba
In the birthplace of the blessed, the canton of Baba, Los Ríos province, the festivities included a walk, a Eucharist at the El Guayabo site, a town band, fireworks, and folk dances, held in the surroundings of her Diocesan Sanctuary. Likewise, in Riobamba, Chimborazo province, a religious service was celebrated at the sanctuary dedicated to the blessed, known as the Rose of the Guayas, where she founded an institute to educate girls and serve God. During this celebration, the faithful were invited to continue praying for the progress of the cause, and a collection was taken to contribute to the process.
Diocesan pilgrimage
On June 6, the 13th Diocesan Pilgrimage of Blessed Mercedes de Jesús Molina took place under the motto “With Mercedes de Jesús, let us respond to the Lord,” presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Babahoyo, Monsignor Skiper Yánez. The devotion and faith of the faithful were manifested in this walk, which united the communities of Baba and Riobamba around the figure of the blessed, whose life and work continue to inspire Ecuadorians.
Original source: www.extra.ec (published on June 14, 2026)
Photo: Panagiotis Falcos on Unsplash
