12 July 2026, at the parish of Santa Elena in Antiguo Cuscatlán (San Salvador metropolitan area ), which belongs to the ‘Stars on the Mantle of Mary, Queen of Peace’ movement since 2022, the new Chapel of Perpetual Adoration was officially inaugurated.

The ceremony was presided over by His Excellency the Archbishop of San Salvador, José Luis Escobar Alas. Among those concelebrating was the parish priest, Fr Nelson Díaz. Due to the large number of the faithful present – around 600 people – Holy Mass was celebrated at an outdoor altar. Despite the very early start to the ceremony, at 7.00 am, the faithful gathered in large numbers to experience this exceptional event together.

The liturgy was preceded by the recitation of the Rosary and the rite of consecration of the new chapel. In his homily, the Archbishop emphasised the exceptional significance of this event:

“The consecration of a chapel is truly a great event, the significance of which we often fail to fully grasp. This place becomes

a part of heaven, for the Lord Himself will be present there – in His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.”

During the blessing ceremony, he also said:

“We must always remain united with Christ – this is what spiritual life is all about, and we achieve this through prayer, the fullness of which is Holy Communion.”

The Archbishop also expressed his hope that the new chapel would become a school of prayer, a source of holiness and an oasis of peace for the whole local community.

The parish priest of Santa Elena drew attention to the special symbolism of the new church. He emphasised that one of its

most important features is the dome, symbolising the Holy Spirit descending upon the praying congregation.

The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the local authorities, led by the mayor of La Libertad Este, Milagro

Navas, members of the Parish Council and donors who have supported and continue to support the construction of the church.

On the very day of the inauguration, 500 people had already signed up for perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. A chief coordinator was also appointed, along with four coordinators responsible for six-hour adoration sessions.

We wholeheartedly congratulate the parish community of Santa Elena on this exceptional achievement. Thanks to the commitment of many people, their prayers, generosity and the sheer volume of work carried out, it was possible to erect this beautiful Chapel of Perpetual Adoration in an extremely short space of time. The foundation stone for its construction was laid in January 2024.

Thanks be to God!

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Sources: according to Diario El Salvador and the Communications Team, Santa Elena Parish, Antiguo Cuscatlán, El Salvador

Photographs: Communications Team, Santa Elena Parish, Antiguo Cuscatlán, El Salvador