Today we depart for Mexico City, beginning our pilgrimage to some of the most important Marian shrines and Cristero sites in the Americas. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to our hotel.

Depending on our arrival time, we will celebrate our opening Holy Mass at the historic Church of San Francisco, one of Mexico City’s oldest churches. Together we entrust our pilgrimage to the Lord through the loving intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, asking for abundant graces during the days ahead.

Dinner and overnight in Mexico City.

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of Mexico City’s historic center with a visit to Plaza Santo Domingo, home to one of the city’s oldest Dominican churches. Built on the site of the first Dominican convent established after the Spanish conquest, the church preserves magnificent chapels dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, Our Lady of Sorrows, the Lord of the Rebozo, and Our Lady of Covadonga. Here we pause to pray the Rosary and reflect upon centuries of Catholic faith in Mexico.

We continue to the Holy Family Church, where Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, the heroic Jesuit martyr of the Cristero persecution, is buried. We visit his tomb, venerate his relics, and explore the museum dedicated to his extraordinary witness of courage. Here we celebrate Holy Mass, remembering his final proclamation before the firing squad: ”¡Viva Cristo Rey!”

This afternoon, we stroll through Mexico City’s historic center, visiting the magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Latin America, while viewing the National Palace from the outside and learning about the rich religious and cultural history of the Mexican capital.

Dinner and overnight in Mexico City.

This morning we begin at Santiago Tlatelolco, where St. Juan Diego was baptized. This sacred site symbolizes the meeting of indigenous and Spanish cultures and stands as a powerful reminder of the beginnings of Christianity in Mexico.

We continue to Tulpetlac, site of the Fifth Apparition, where Our Lady appeared to Juan Bernardino, the uncle of St. Juan Diego, restoring his health and revealing her name as Santa María de Guadalupe. Pilgrims may visit the ancient well whose waters have long been associated with healing.

The highlight of our pilgrimage follows as we arrive at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. Here we kneel before the miraculous tilma of St. Juan Diego, bearing the image Our Lady left for all generations. We celebrate Holy Mass at the Shrine before visiting the Old Basilica, climbing Tepeyac Hill, and exploring the Chapel of the Indians and the Chapel of the Well. Time is provided for personal prayer, lunch, and shopping before returning to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Mexico City.

Following breakfast, we depart for the beautiful colonial city of Querétaro, one of Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage treasures.

Our first stop is the Shrine and Convent of the Holy Cross, where St. Junípero Serra began his missionary work before establishing the famous California Missions. Here we also learn about the remarkable Franciscan missionary Fr. Antonio Margil de Jesús and visit the famous “Tree of Crosses,” whose thorns naturally grow in the shape of crosses—a sign that has inspired pilgrims for centuries.

We celebrate Holy Mass at the historic Temple of San Francisco before enjoying time for lunch.

This afternoon we tour Querétaro’s beautifully preserved historic center, including the Parish of the Sacred Heart (St. Claire) and the magnificent Temple of Santa Rosa de Viterbo, regarded as one of the finest examples of Mexican Colonial Baroque architecture.

Later this afternoon we continue to the colorful colonial city of Guanajuato.

Dinner and overnight in Guanajuato.

After breakfast we travel to Cerro del Cubilete, one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Mexico and a powerful symbol of Christ’s kingship. During the Cristero persecution, this sacred mountain became a beacon of hope for Catholics who courageously defended their faith despite severe religious oppression.

We celebrate Holy Mass beneath the magnificent Monument to Christ the King, overlooking the surrounding valleys. We also visit the nearby Shrine of Santa María de los Mártires, where the relics of several Cristero martyrs are preserved for veneration.

Returning to Guanajuato, we discover one of Mexico’s most charming colonial cities. Walking through its colorful streets and picturesque plazas, we visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato, the Temple of the Society of Jesus, San Fernando Square, the Church of Belén, and admire landmarks including the historic Juárez Theater and Guanajuato University.

Dinner and overnight in Guanajuato.

After breakfast, we travel to San Juan de los Lagos, home to Mexico’s second most important Marian shrine after Guadalupe. Here we visit the magnificent Cathedral Basilica, where millions of pilgrims come each year to venerate the miraculous image of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos, whose intercession has been credited with countless miracles for over four centuries.

We celebrate Holy Mass before enjoying free time for prayer and lunch.

Later we continue to Santa Ana de Guadalupe, birthplace of St. Toribio Romo, one of the courageous martyrs of the Cristero persecution and today honored as the patron saint of migrants. We visit his family home, the parish church, and pray before his relics.

We then continue to Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city.

Dinner and overnight in Guadalajara.

Today we journey to Sahuayo, hometown of St. José Sánchez del Río, affectionately known as Joselito, the young Cristero martyr canonized by Pope Francis in 2016.

We celebrate Holy Mass at St. James Church, where Joselito was imprisoned before his martyrdom, and venerate his relics. We also visit the cemetery where this courageous fourteen-year-old gave his life rather than deny Christ, joyfully proclaiming ”¡Viva Cristo Rey!” as he entered eternal life.

Following lunch, we return to Guadalajara, enjoying the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to rest or explore the area near our hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Guadalajara.

Following breakfast, we enjoy a guided tour of Guadalajara, known as the cultural heart of Mexico. We visit the beautiful Cathedral, where the relics of numerous Cristero martyrs are preserved, along with the elegant Teatro Degollado, historic government buildings, and the city’s attractive central plazas.

At the appropriate time, we transfer to Guadalajara International Airport for our return flight home, carrying with us lasting memories of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the heroic Cristero saints, and the enduring faith of the Mexican people.