The archbishop of Mexico, Pelagio Antonio de Labastida y Dávalos, crowned the image of Our Lady of Hope in Jacona and from there the idea of the pontifical coronation of Our Lady of Guadalupe arose in 1895.
Once the approval of Rome was obtained, the date of October 12, 1895 was set for this act. The archbishop entrusted the preparation of this ceremony to the priest Antonio Plancarte y Labastida, priest of Jacona who had distinguished himself so much on the previous festivity . The appointment of abbot of the basilica was later granted by Pope Leo XIII.
In the early morning of October 12, 1895, thousands of pilgrims were heading to Villa de Guadalupe from all parts of Mexico City, among them not a few North Americans and Central Americans. At dawn, people entertained themselves going up and down the ramps that lead to the Cerrito chapel; music bands played incessantly, groups of people sang songs and others launched rockets. In the Pocito chapel, in the Capuchinas church and in the parish of the Indians, many devotees heard mass and took communion.
The doors of the basilica were opened at 8 in the morning. Soon the entire room was filled, lavishly decked out, most of the crowd left outside. Diplomats and guests were placed in special places. A commission of ladies carried the crown to the altar. In this, near the canopy, a platform was placed, and next to the gospel was the canopy for the officiating archbishop. 38 national and foreign prelates were present. After the nona song, the pontifical mass began, presided over by Archbishop Prospero María Alarcón.
The Orfeón de Querétaro performed, directed by Father José Guadalupe Velázquez. The Ecce ego Joannes de Palestrina mass was performed. In procession the two crowns were brought to the altar: one of gold and the other of silver. Mr. Alarcón, once on top of the platform, kissed the image's cheek and immediately he and the Archbishop of Michoacán, Ignacio Arciga, placed the gold crown on the Virgin's head, suspending it from the hands of the angel who stood was on the frame.
At that moment the faithful shouted "Long live!", "Mother!", "Save us!" and “Patria!” clamorously chanted inside and outside the basilica, while the bells rang and rockets were set off. At the end the Te Deum was sung in thanksgiving and the bishops placed their staffs and mitres at the foot of the altar of the Virgin of Guadalupe, thus consecrating their dioceses to her and placing them under her protection.
