In a recent interview published in Alfa y Omega, Jesús María González Antón, pastor of the Basilica of the Miraculous Medal in Madrid, shared his reflections on the recent Marian Jubilee Year and the ongoing celebrations for the fourth centenary of the Congregation of the Mission.

The priest in a procession to celebrate the visit of Our Lady of Ephesus in 2021. Photo courtesy of Jesús María González.

Assessment of the Marian Jubilee Year

Fr. Jesús María expressed amazement and gratitude for the strong participation during the Marian Jubilee Year, celebrated on the occasion of the centenary of the basilica. 100 groups were welcomed, totaling around 8,000 people, and more than 4,000 faithful participated in the May procession. In addition, 65,000 holy cards and 50,000 medals of the Virgin of the Miraculous Medal were distributed. As a commemorative event, the parish launched the construction of a boarding school for young women in Chad, seeking to defend their dignity through formation, thus integrating the evangelization and charity dimensions of the Congregation of the Mission.

Appeal of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

When asked about the lasting nature of the devotion to the Virgin of the Miraculous Medal, González Antón pointed out that this devotion emerged from the people, who added the title of “miraculous.” For many devotees, the basilica has been a spiritual landmark, and many missionaries have departed from there. People inspired by this spirituality have even given their lives, such as the Spanish martyrs of the 20th century.

Fourth Centenary Celebrations of the Congregation of the Mission

The celebrations for the 400th anniversary of the Congregation of the Mission began on January 25 with a Eucharist presided over by the Superior Provincial, José Manuel Villar Suárez. From May 23-25, in the context of the national congress on the Vincentian charism, the basilica will host a concert by the choir of the Congregation of the Mission and the Daughters of Charity, followed by a Eucharist which may be presided over by Father General. A special Mass will be celebrated on September 27, the feast of St. Vincent de Paul. Until April 17, 2026, the faithful can obtain a plenary indulgence in the church, although no specific rituals are foreseen like those of the Marian Jubilee Year.

Evangelizing the Poor from the Basilica

Although the Basilica of the Miraculous Medal is located in the central Chamberí neighborhood, González Antón emphasized the community’s commitment to the Vincentian charism, seeking to raise awareness among parishioners about the nature of being Vincentian. The parish has a particular charism and develops social projects, such as support for the elderly in a nearby center of the Daughters of Charity and collaboration with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in initiatives such as soup kitchens and visits to the homeless. In addition, it is involved in projects of the canonical province of the Congregation of the Mission, such as the establishment of schools in Madagascar and the presence in India, where there are already two canonical provinces.

His Vocation and History in the Congregation of the Mission

González Antón recounted his vocational process, which began at the age of 11 when he entered the seminary of the Congregation of the Mission in Tardajos (Burgos). This seminary, more than a boarding school, aimed to encourage vocations among young people, and many missionaries emerged from it. Significant moments, such as a serious accident to his father, led him to mature his vocation. At the age of 18, he decided to follow his spiritual vocation, guided by St. Vincent de Paul.

The full interview offers a deep insight into the work and spirituality of the Basilica of the Miraculous Medal and its pastor, reflecting the ongoing commitment to evangelization and charity in today’s context. You can read it in Spanish by clicking here.