Guadalupe

In 1531, shortly after the conquest of Tenochtitlin, now Mexico City, Juan Diego was listening to the beautiful singing of the birds, when the Mother of God appeared. She wanted a temple to be built in that place and she instructed Juan Diego to go and tell the Bishop. 9 days.

This pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe will retrace the miraculous events of 1531 in which Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego, asking for the erection of a sanctuary in her honour. Here she promised to offer her compassion and protection to the people. You will "meet" the people involved in these events by visiting Tulpetlac, where Mary appeared and healed Juan's uncle, Juan Bernadino. We will visit the Cathedral where Bishop Juan Zumarraga, Bishop at the time of the apparitions, is entombed. Much time will be given to devotion to Our Lady at the Shrine and the pilgrimage includes daily mass as well as teachings. This pilgrimage promises to be a deep spiritual journey as you will encounter firsthand Our Lady of Guadalupe, also known as "Mother of Mercy", "Heavenly Missionary of the New World", "Mother and Teacher of the Faith to the peoples of the Americas" (Pope John XXIII) and "Star of Evangelization" (Pope John Paul, II).

Day 1 - Canada / Mexico
Departure from Canada. Arrival and transfers in Mexico City. Dinner.

Day 2 - Mexico City
Breakfast. Transfer to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mass in one of the Shrine's chapels. Guided tour of the Shrine, extended visit of Tepeyac Hill where Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego. Return to the hotel. Dinner at restaurant outside of hotel.

Day 3 - Mexico City
Breakfast, then off to Tulpetlac to the Shrine of the Fifth Apparition, where Our Lady healed Juan Bernadino, Juan Diego's uncle. Mass at this Shrine. Guided tour of the Teotihuacan Pyramids: visit to the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon, the Jaguars and Quetzalcoatl Temples (of historical significance) and then back to the hotel for dinner.

Day 4 - Mexico City
Breakfast followed by a day trip out of Mexico City to Tlaxcala, the "Lourdes" of Mexico. Water for the sick can be collected at both the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ocotlan and the Shrine of St. Michael of the Miracle. Mass in one these churches. Back to Mexico City. Dinner at hotel

Day 5 - Mexico City
Breakfast and walking tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral in the Zocalo (Main Square Downtown). This is the seat of the Archbishop of Mexico and is where the body of Bishop Juan Zumarrage, Bishop in 1531 at the time of the apparitions, is entombed. Mass in one of the private chapels in the Cathedral. Quick visit of the National Palace and brief explanation of the Diego Rivera Murals. Transfer to Tlatelolco. Explanation of the Plaza of the Three Cultures. Visit to St. James Church where Juan Diego attended Mass and where the wax body of St. Sebastien is found. Back to hotel for a late dinner.

Day 6 - Mexico City
Breakfast and transfer to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Remedies (Los Remedios) in Mexico City. An interesting story is behind this shrine. Transfer to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe for Mass. In the afternoon there will be time for shopping. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 7 - Mexico City
Breakfast and day trip to Taxco. Visit to the Cathedral Cuernavaca and the church of Santa Prisca in Taxco. Superb sterling silver markets! Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 8 - Mexico City
Breakfast. Free morning to get some shopping done in the Zocala area. Transfer to Tepeyac Hill. Last day to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mass. Back to the hotel for dinner and to pack your bags.

Day 9 - Mexico / Canada
Breakfast. Departure from Mexico City. Transfers back to Canada.