In a solemn act, the council of the Cuernavaca City Hall awarded the Venera Cuernavaca 2025, its highest distinction, to nineteen personalities who have enriched the identity, history, and values of the Morelos capital. Among the honorees stood out Mons. Ramón Castro Castro, bishop of the Diocese of Cuernavaca and president of the Mexican Episcopal Conference (CEM), recognized for his outstanding pastoral work and tireless service to the community.
The ceremony took place last Sunday at the Cuernavaca City Museum (MuCiC), in the framework of the anniversary of the declaration of Cuernavaca as the constitutional capital of Morelos. During the solemn Cabildo session, the PAN mayor José Luis Urióstegui Salgado led the delivery, accompanied by councilors and officials. “The City Hall and the city recognize personalities who, through their personal and professional work in representation of the institutions under their charge, have transcended and have managed to bring shine and luster to Cuernavaca”, declared the mayor, emphasizing gratitude toward those who have left an indelible mark in public, social, cultural, academic, sports, and humanistic spheres.
The recognition of Ramón Castro Castro highlights his role as an ecclesiastical leader who has strengthened human values in Morelos society. As the local bishop since 2013 and current president of the Mexican bishops, Castro Castro has been a constant voice in defense of peace, social justice, and support for the most vulnerable, especially in a context of challenges such as violence and inequality in the region. His pastoral work has not only impacted the spiritual realm but has also promoted community cohesion, making him a moral reference for the people of Cuernavaca.
Alongside the prelate, the Venera 2025 honored a diversity of figures who represent the best of the entity. Governor Margarita González Saravia received the award for her female leadership and pioneering trajectory as the first woman to head the state Executive, opening paths for new generations. The iconic actress of Mexican Golden Cinema, Elsa Irma Aguirre Juárez, was distinguished for her eternal artistic legacy.
In the sports and cultural field, Arturo Brizio Carter was recognized, an international referee and commentator; the footballer Gerardo Gabriel Galindo Martínez “Gerry Galindo”; and artists such as Uli Solner, César Eduardo Vega Gutiérrez “Fuk Gutiérrez” and Guillermo Monroy Becerril. Also highlighted were academics such as psychologist María Elena Berengueras Sánchez and chronicler Lya Gutiérrez Quintanilla; philanthropists such as Susan Grillo Arana; and preservers of traditions, such as Benigno López Montes, the last guardian of the huehuenche in Santa María Ahuacatitlán.
Other honorees included journalist Fernando Cárdenas Peña; architect Ismael Reza Urbeola; boxing coach Narciso González Rossano; businessman Pablo Chalakani; and lawyer Javier Hernández Díaz, for his contribution to urban development. Posthumously, Juan Pablo Adame Alemán was honored for his commitment to youth and citizen participation.
The delivery of the Venera 2025 not only celebrates individual trajectories but also reaffirms the municipal commitment to collective memory and excellence. In the words of Mayor Urióstegui, these tributes thank those “who have given part of their life to exalt Cuernavaca”. The event concluded amid applause, remembering that the Morelos capital shines thanks to its illustrious sons and daughters