Today, the program of events organized to commemorate the 450th Anniversary of the parish church was presented at the parish house of La Asunción. The main goal of the program is to «update the mission of the Church and make its relationship with the people of Tomelloso visible,» as explained by the parish priest, José Ángel Martín Acosta, during the presentation. He was accompanied by the Mayor of Tomelloso, Javier Navarro, the Councilor of Culture, Inés Losa, and several members of the 450th Anniversary Commission, including Félix Godoy.
Inés Losa congratulated the parish for the quiet work they have been doing over the last year and a half to shape this important program because «things do not arise spontaneously, they must be worked on calmly.» Losa emphasized the significance of this celebration for the city of Tomelloso and its alignment with the upcoming quincentenary, considering it a significant milestone for the town. She highlighted the close connection between the history of the church in Tomelloso and the history of the city itself. Therefore, the Culture department, under her direction, will collaborate closely in this extensive and intense program, especially given the auspicious timing within the Jubilee Year.
Program
Martín Acosta elaborated on the various activities that will take place as part of the program. It will kick off on April 22, the exact date of the 450th anniversary, with a Mass at 7 pm presided over by the Bishop of Ciudad Real, Gerardo Melgar. In June, there will be three events outside the parish aimed at promoting evangelization. The first event, on June 7 at Santo Tomás-La Milagrosa School, will feature a «White Night» during the Vigil of Pentecost, with the support of missionary Guelmis Tavarez. On the 21st, there will be a gathering of parish choirs in Plaza de España, including a concert by the group «Pray Station,» composed of young religious music performers. Music will also take center stage on June 28 with a grand concert at 9 pm in the bullring featuring the groups Impact, Esténez, and Aisha.
In October, an exhibition on the artistic heritage and religious art of the parish, aimed at showcasing the figure of Ismael de Tomelloso, will take place (date to be determined). Cultural events will continue on November 28 with a talk by Francisco Javier Escudero Buendía titled «Founders, Bishops, and Inquisitors of Tomelloso. The Chapels of the Parish Church of La Asunción, an Unknown Legacy,» followed by a guided tour of the parish the next day. On December 13, writer Natividad Cepeda will give a talk on the cause of Ismael de Tomelloso.
In 2026, a pastoral talk by priest Emilio Jesús Montes Romero titled «From a Maintenance Church to a Missionary Church» will continue the activities. The Eucharistic celebration from the parish will be broadcasted on TVE on February 22, and the anniversary events will conclude on April 22. To foster community cohesion, two pilgrimages have been organized. The first to Fátima from May 29 to June 1 and the second to Poland from July 1 to 6, «following in the footsteps of Saint John Paul II.» Finally, on August 15, a welcome mass for the Virgin of Las Viñas will be held in Plaza de España after the mayor’s vow.
Félix Godoy designed the anniversary logo, featuring the parish building with the anniversary number in the liturgical colors.