Nearly nine years after the catastrophic earthquakes of September 2017 struck central and southwestern Mexico, two historic churches in Mexico City have reopened their doors for worship. St. John of God Church and the Holy True Cross Church, both located in the heart of the capital, welcomed back the faithful following an extensive and meticulous restoration.
On July 8, a special Mass was celebrated at Holy True Cross Church, marking the community’s long-awaited return and the conclusion of a complex restoration process.
Start of the reopening Mass at Holy Cross Parish. | Credit: Holy True Cross Parish, Mexico City
The twin earthquakes of Sept. 7 and 19, 2017, claimed 468 lives and caused extensive damage to thousands of buildings. In Mexico City alone, approximately 160 Catholic churches suffered structural damage of varying severity, these two churches among them.
Five Centuries of History
Holy True Cross Church is considered one of the oldest churches in the country. According to tradition, the explorer and conquistador Hernán Cortés ordered the construction of a small chapel to commemorate the landing of the Spanish expedition at what is now the port of Veracruz. Over time, that chapel evolved into the parish known today.
The church houses important works of sacred art, including the Christ of the Seven Veils, said to have been a gift from Pope Paul III to King Carlos V of Spain. Additionally, a relic of the true cross—believed by Christian tradition to be a fragment of the cross on which Jesus Christ died—is preserved there.
Reliquary containing a splinter of the true cross. | Credit: “EWTN Noticias”
Nine Years to Return
Father Juan Carlos Guerrero Ugalde, pastor of both Holy True Cross and St. John of God, described the restoration process as “meticulous and slow” due to the complexity of the damage. The bell towers, which were at risk of collapse, were reinforced, cracks were repaired, hydraulic piles supporting both structures were serviced, roofs were waterproofed, and work was done to correct the effects of ground settling.
The work was overseen by the National Institute of Anthropology and History, as both buildings are part of the nation’s historical heritage. The restoration of Holy True Cross faced an additional challenge: a fire in August 2020 caused by individuals living on the street. The fire damaged the choir loft, dome, and sacred art.
Restoration work at the Holy True Cross Parish. | Credit: Holy True Cross Parish, Mexico City
Rebuilding Community
Father Guerrero noted that reactivating community life will be the next challenge. A call has already gone out to neighborhood residents to come for formation as pastoral workers. The parish also aims to develop social programs such as job training for individuals who did not complete formal education, as well as cultural initiatives in collaboration with nearby museums.
As the community gradually restores life to these churches, Masses are currently held regularly on Sundays, while weekday Masses take place upon request of the faithful.
Interior of Holy True Cross Church. | Credit: “EWTN Noticias”
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
