Press Release No. 15
San Diego, CA. August 30th, 2013
OFFICIAL RECORD OF DELIVERY OF A HISTORICAL DOCUMENT REGARDING THE EXECUTION OF PRIEST MIGUEL HIDALGO Y COSTILLA TO BE HELD AT THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF MEXICO IN SAN DIEGO
As part of a program established by the Mexican government that seeks the recovery of protected cultural property, this Tuesday September 3rd at 11 A.M. there will be a signing of the official record of delivery of an alleged historical document, dated July 29th, 1811 in Chihuahua, México, regarding the execution of the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, known as the father of the Mexican Independence. The signing ceremony will take place at the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego (1549 India St., San Diego, CA 92101).
The event will include the participation of the Consul General of Mexico, Remedios Gomez Arnau and Mr. Sr. Joseph J. Bray, who will deliver the document; in the presence of Deputy Consul Francisco Javier Olavarria and Press and Cultural Affairs attaché, Martha Varela.
The aforementioned program was established by the Mexican Government in October, 2011 and seeks to recover archaeological, historic and artistic monuments and documents; as well as remains and fossils located outside the country. It is made possible through the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), the Office of the Attorney General (PGR), National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBA)
The alleged original manuscript will be repatriated to Mexico and subsequently delivered to the corresponding governmental institutions.
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was a Mexican Catholic priest. On September 16, 1810, Father Hidalgo rang the church bell to announce the beginning of the fight for independence from Spain. Hidalgo was defeated and fled north of the country and was caught and shot in 1811. The anniversary of his call is celebrated as Mexico's Independence Day.
The historic document is a legal declaration signed by the fiscal coadjutor, Manuel de la Peña y Urquidi, with validity seals of King Charles IV and King Ferdinand VII, which confirms the degradation, execution and decapitation of Miguel Hidalgo.