A faith journey to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

We are so excited to be able to offer a 7-day pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe this September (September 28 to October 4, 2023).  This is a perfect time to reflect and renew our Catholic faith!

The seven-day journey includes flights from Jacksonville, Orlando, or Tampa,  transfers, hotel, transportation, and most meals (transportation to the airport is not included).  A local guide will lead our group to view all of the sites in air-conditioned buses and provide historical and cultural information.  The Reverend Father Jared De Leo, Pastor of St. Monica Catholic Church, Palatka, will be our Spiritual Advisor and will celebrate Mass throughout the journey.

Let’s take a closer look at each destination of this amazing journey!

DAY ONE: 
Depart USA.  Arrive in Mexico City by 3:00 pm.  Travel to Tlaxcala and check into our hotel.

DAY TWO: 
The Shrine of San Miguel Del Milagro & Church of the Virgin in Ocatlan
After breakfast, depart Tlaxcala to visit the Shrine of San Miguel del Milagro.  It is here that Saint Michael the Archangel appeared to Diego Lazaro de San Francisco in 1631 and told him of a miraculous spring.  Then on to Ocatlan, where in 1531, the Blessed Virgin appeared to Juan Diego Bernadino.  The Blessed Virgin Mary burned an image of her perfections into the trunk of an old oak tree.  Ever since Mary has been here as our Lady of Ocatlan – Our Lady of the Oak Tree that Burned.  We will then return to our hotel.  Dinner is on our own at a local restaurant.

DAY THREE:
San Juan Teotihuacan, Alcoman, and Tulpetlac
Travel this morning to visit San Juan Teotihuacan, the most widely known archaeological zone in Mexico.  Of particular interest will be the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, the oldest structures in the area.  Afterward, we will visit Alcoman, the 16th-century Monastery.  We’ll stop and see Tulpetlac, the site of the Fifth Apparition of our Lady of Guadalupe and the home of Juan Diego’s uncle, Juan Bernadino.  We’ll finish the day in Mexico City at our hotel and have dinner on our own.

DAY FOUR:
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
After breakfast at our hotel, we will have Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  After Mass, we will tour the basilica, where the Tilma of Juan Diego is located, and the grounds including the hilltop Chapel of Tepeyac, where the history of our Lady’s visit to Guadalupe will be related.  Here, Saint Juan Diego met the Virgin Mary in December of 1531 and received the iconic image of our Lady of Guadalupe. Dinner is on our own at a local restaurant.
Optional:  Mexican Ballet Performance will be available this evening (not included)

DAY FIVE:
Coyoacan and Xochimilco
Visit the neighborhood of Coyoacan, and see the Church of St. John the Baptist here.  Continue on to visit the San Bernadino de Siena Church, where we will celebrate Mass.  Then, we’ll explore Xochimilco, the historic district around the lake of the same name.  We will then sail in Trajineras, a gondola-like boat through the canals.  Dating prior to the Spanish conquest, this area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Dinner is on our own.

​DAY SIX:
Tlatelolco
Visit the Plaza de la Tre Culturas and Tlatelolca, a 16th-Century Franciscan church.  After Mass, enjoy a short city tour including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Zocalo and the Holy Family Church.  Then, we will return to the hotel for a hosted farewell dinner and overnight.

DAY SEVEN:
Return home.

As Catholics visiting one of the oldest, most durable, and most famous images of Our Lady in the world, I hope that we gain a better appreciation for the millions of people Our Lady of Guadalupe has helped grow deeper in their faith and their appreciation for human life.  May our hearts be opened to the ever-receptive and ever-obedient daughter of God, who always points to her son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer.– Rev. Jared De Leo

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PRICING:
Land Only:  $1,350.00
Air & Travel Package from Orlando:  $2,598.00
Air & Travel Package from Jacksonville: $2,648.00
Air & Travel Package from Tampa:  $2,598.00

For more information, or to reserve your spot, contact Terie