Our Plan:

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City is one of the greatest Marian Shrines in the world. The Basilica commemorates the appearance of our Blessed Mother to San Juan Diego, on December 1531, where she requested that a shrine be built in her honor. Juan Diego informed the Bishop of his encounter with Mary and would not believe him. The Bishop requested that our Lady give him a sign, so the Blessed Mother asked Juan Diego to gather roses from the frozen, rocky terrain and present them to the bishop. When Juan Diego opened his cloak to show him the sign, the flowers cascaded to the floor. To the astonishment of the Bishop and his companions, there appeared the Virgin Mary’s portrait marvelously painted in the most exquisite colors on Juan Diego’s cloak. Today, this cloak or tilma still exists, almost 472 years ago, hanging above the main altar of the Basilica – the most astonishing event in the history of art and supernatural phenonema. 

Dec 8.,Mon: USA/MEXICO

Depart JFK airport on Delta Airlines. Arrive in Mexico City. You will be met at the airport by our English-speaking tour guide. Proceed to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe for Mass. Dinner and overnight in Mexico City.

Dec 9.Tue: PUEBLA/MEXICO CITY

After breakfast, we travel to Puebla and visit the Cathedral of Puebla and the famous Holy Rosary chapel. Lunch in Puebla. Proceed to the town of Ocotlan See the image of Our Lady burnt into a tree trunk after she appeared to Juan Diego Bernardino in 1541 (not the same Juan Diego of Our Lady of Guadalupe). Time permitting, proceed to visit the Shrine of San Miguel del Mttagro, site where St. Michael the Archangel appeared to Diego Lazaro in 1631, directing him to the grotto and to a well of miraculous healing water. Drive back to Mexico City for dinner and overnight in our hotel.

Dec 10. Wed: MEXICO CITY

After breakfast, enjoy an extensive visit of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. View the tilma of Juan Diego, which still bears Our Lady’s imprint. If time permits, climb Mt Tepeyac to the chapel on top, site of the first apparition. In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Mexico City, including the Cathedral and baptismal place of Juan Diego. In the evening allow for an optional performance at the Palace of Fine Arts of the Mexican Folkloric Ballet. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Dec 11. Thu: FREE DAY OR OPTIONAL TOUR

Take the rest of the day free to spend more time at the Basilica of our Lady for personal devotions or take an optional tour of Cuernavaca and Taxco for $45/person. Visit the city of “Eternal Spring99, Cuernavaca and continue to Taxco, worldwide famous silver town. Enjoy a stroll along the cobble-stoned streets and visit the baroque style church of Santa Prisca. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight

Dec 12. Fri: MEXICO CITY

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe! After breakfast, visit the place of apparition of Our Lady to Juan Bernardino, uncle of Juan Diego. Proceed to the pyramids of Teotihuacan, the place of Sun and Moon, the temple of Quetzalcoati. In the afternoon, proceed to the Basilica for a farewell visit and attend Mass to celebrate feast of our Lady of Guadalupe. Farewell dinner and overnight.

Dec 13. Sat: RETURN TO USA

After breakfast, transfer to Mexico City Airport from the hotel. Arrive JFK Airport the same day.

————————————————————————————————————————-

Participants

Fr. George Torok,   Edles Abella,  Jaime Ang,  Meng       Angbetic,  Helen Astrab,  Joyce Castro,  Macfelaine Cavegn, Jennie Collins, Cely Cruiz,  Elizabeth Dubec,  Bobby Fernandez, Dolly Fernandez, Mary  Grena, Duioe Oilman,  Jun Guzman,  Zeny      Isidro,  Jun   Isidro,   Salty Lagnada,  Fr. Paul Lehman, Dee Lim, Bellie Narvaez,  Alimg Pepanio,   Remy  Policarpfo,  Gerry Policarpfo, Trudy Roeck, Flory Santos,  Flor   Thurman, Linda Tisch,  Tita Valonzo,   Lefty Trillana