Established in 1527 by Dominican friar Julián Garcés, the Diocese of Tlaxcala holds the distinction of being the first episcopal see on the mainland of New Spain (Mexico)
Newsroom (25/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) The Diocese of Tlaxcala, Mexico’s oldest diocese, is commemorating its quincentennial with a profound spiritual initiative: 500 hours of continuous Eucharistic adoration. Launched on Sept. 12 and set to conclude on Oct. 3, the adoration is distributed across the diocese’s 93 churches, organized into seven deaneries, with each deanery contributing 50 hours of prayer.
The diocese described the initiative as a spiritual preparation for its 500th anniversary jubilee, aimed at fostering gratitude and renewing faith among the faithful. Parish priests, vicars, and community leaders have been urged to promote participation during Sunday Masses, inviting families, parish groups, and individuals to unite in this collective act of devotion centered on Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
A Jubilee Mass and Historic Consecration
The Eucharistic adoration is part of a broader program celebrating the diocese’s five centuries of existence. On Sept. 23, diocesan officials announced that a jubilee Mass will be held on Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Conciliar Seminary of Our Lady of Ocotlán, presided over by Archbishop Joseph Spiteri, apostolic nuncio to Mexico. The Mass will feature the presentation of a replica of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, three palm branches honoring the Holy Children Martyrs, and a heart symbolizing the maternal love of Mary under her title of Our Lady of Ocotlán. Over 1,000 catechists will also be commissioned for mission work during the ceremony. To emphasize the significance of the event, all parish Masses across the diocese will be canceled that day to encourage full community participation.
On Oct. 13, the Holy Cathedral of Tlaxcala, a former Franciscan convent dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2021, will be formally blessed and consecrated. Although the church has long served as the diocese’s cathedral, it has never been officially dedicated. Archbishop Spiteri will also officiate this historic ceremony.
The First Diocese in Mexico
Established in 1527 by Dominican friar Julián Garcés, the Diocese of Tlaxcala holds the distinction of being the first episcopal see on the mainland of New Spain. While Pope Leo X created the Diocese of Yucatán in 1519, it failed to take root due to a sparse population. Tlaxcala’s origins trace back to the arrival of Spanish evangelizers, including Friar Bartolomé de Olmedo and cleric Juan Díaz, who celebrated the first Mass in New Spain in 1519 alongside Hernán Cortés. Garcés later formalized the diocese by taking possession of the Franciscan monastery and establishing the Church of the Assumption as its episcopal see.
The diocese’s seat was relocated to Puebla in later years, but Tlaxcala’s historical significance endures. In 1959, Pope John XXIII reinstated the Diocese of Tlaxcala, restoring its name and mission. Today, the diocese’s faithful continue to honor its legacy, giving thanks annually for “the gift of life and to Mary for her intercession on behalf of this people who love her,” according to the diocesan website.
A Milestone of Faith and Unity
The quincentennial celebrations underscore the diocese’s enduring commitment to its spiritual and cultural heritage. Through Eucharistic adoration, a jubilee Mass, and the cathedral’s consecration, the Diocese of Tlaxcala is inviting its community to reflect on 500 years of faith while looking forward to a future rooted in unity and devotion.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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