Pastoral Siglo XXI.- Within the framework of her official visit to Nuevo León, Princess Takamado, a member of the Imperial House of Japan, toured the Metropolitan Cathedral of Monterrey, where she held a meeting with the Archbishop of Monterrey, Mons. Rogelio Cabrera López.
The visit was part of the agenda the Princess is carrying out in the state in connection with activities related to the participation of the Japanese national team in the FIFA World Cup, whose match against Tunisia was held in Monterrey.
During her stay at the Cathedral, the Princess was accompanied by members of the Japanese diplomatic mission in Mexico, including the Ambassador of Japan to Mexico, Kozo Honsei, and his wife, as well as Mr. Gabriel F. Chapa Muñoz, Honorary Consul of Japan in Monterrey.
Representing the Archdiocese of Monterrey, Fr. Alfonso Rogelio Villarreal Martínez, Vicar General and Rector of the Metropolitan Cathedral, took part in the reception, along with Japanese-origin faithful Toshiyuki Maeda and Mónica Villarreal, who are part of the community linked to the cathedral.
As part of the visit, the Princess toured various areas of the Metropolitan Cathedral, guided by Fr. Raúl Mena Seifert, Director of Ecclesiastical Assets and Sacred Art of the Archdiocese of Monterrey.
During the tour, historical, architectural, and artistic aspects of the cathedral were shared, highlighting the murals and frescoes created by the renowned Mexican painter Ángel Zárraga, considered an important part of the city’s artistic and religious heritage. The Princess also visited the cathedral’s crypt during the tour.
During the meeting, Mons. Rogelio Cabrera presented an overview of the Catholic Church in Monterrey, highlighting the breadth and vitality of the archdiocesan community.
He also thanked the Princess for her interest in visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral and for the significance this church holds for the faithful of the region.
“We thank you for your visit to this Cathedral, not only as a historic building, but for what it represents to the Catholic community of Monterrey. Many of our faithful will be delighted to know of your presence here and will feel it as a visit close to them,” the Archbishop expressed.
Mons. Cabrera also wished the Japanese national team success during its stay in the city and reiterated the hospitality of the people of Monterrey toward international visitors.
“Here in Monterrey, everyone is warmly welcomed. We thank you for wanting to visit our Cathedral. We wish you many blessings and that your stay in our city will be very pleasant,” he noted.
For her part, Princess Takamado expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and conveyed her appreciation for the courtesies extended during her visit. As a gesture of friendship and respect, she presented a commemorative gift to the Archdiocese of Monterrey.
The visit represented a meaningful gesture of encounter and cordiality between the Catholic community of Monterrey and the Japanese delegation, strengthening the bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and cultural exchange between both peoples.