Feb 4, 2009 / 16:40 pm
The Honduran press last week that the Mormon Church has decided to abandon plans to build a new temple near the Shrine of Our Lady of Suyapa in Honduras.
The mayor’s office of Tegucigalpa denied the Mormons a permit to build the temple, which would have blocked the view of the Basilica of Suyapa.
The news came as thousands of Hondurans are making their way to the famous shrine this week to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Suyapa, the patroness of Honduras. Officials expect some two million to visit the shrine during the festivities.
During a Mass on Tuesday, Cardinal Andres Rodriguez of Tegucigalpa said, “Veneration of Holy Mary of Suyapa should fill the heart of each Catholic with joy. Together with Mary we should remain united.”
Pius XII declared Our Lady of Suyapa patroness of Honduras in 1925.