Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln is set to host one of 12 national Masses in 2025 as part of "Project Guadalupe 2031," coinciding with the Jubilee Year of Hope. This initiative, announced by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco and the Benedict XVI Institute for Sacred Music and Divine Worship, aims to prepare Catholics for the 500th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe's appearance.

Pope Francis, in a homily from 2022, encouraged Catholics in the Americas to engage in prayer and preparation over nine years leading up to this significant anniversary. "I urge all members of the pilgrim Church in the Americas, pastors and faithful," Pope Francis stated, "to participate in this celebratory journey that aims to promote an encounter with God through Our Lady of Guadalupe."

Archbishop Cordileone highlighted the historical impact of Our Lady of Guadalupe's appearance: “Our Lady of Guadalupe changed a continent,” he said. He expressed hope that U.S. Catholics would join in welcoming Mary into their lives.

A key feature of Project Guadalupe 2031 will be celebrations featuring Frank La Rocca’s Mass of the Americas. This unity Mass incorporates texts in multiple languages and elevates Mexican folk hymns into sacred music tradition.

Twelve Masses are planned across various U.S. states, including California, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. The Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln will host one on December 12, 2025. Bishop James Conley commented on this event's significance: “The sacred and soaring beauty of the Mass of the Americas will bring Catholics together.”

Additionally, Archbishop Cordileone plans to celebrate a Mass at Mexico's Shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe on October 7, 2025. He described this as fulfilling a long-held aspiration: “This is the fulfillment of a great dream.”

A festival choir led by Richard Carrillo will accompany these celebrations both domestically and internationally. Non-singers can also join these events through available pilgrimage options.

Amy Flamminio from Lincoln’s Cathedral invited local singers to participate: “We hope Lincoln singers and pilgrims are well represented.” Registration details are accessible online.

Stacy Pfeifer is coordinating Lincoln Diocesan Choir participation for the Mexico pilgrimage and aims for at least 20 sign-ups.

Beyond these Masses, Project Guadalupe 2031 includes a Home Enthronement Initiative encouraging families to honor Our Lady within their homes using new artistic works by Bernadette Carstensen and poet James Matthew Wilson.