Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage

The Story:

Our Lady of Guadalupe is a very important Catholic Pilgrimage site that attracts millions each year. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a minor basilica and National Shrine located in Mexico City. The basilica is the most visited Catholic Pilgrimage destination in the world and third most-visited religious shrine. The Shrine was originally built in 1709 and is located in Tepeyac Hill which is where the apparitions occurred in 1531.

Our Lady first appeared to visionary St. Juan Diego on December 9, 1531. Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego four times in total and asked that a church be built in her honor. The Archbishop did not believe Juan Diego the first time he mentioned the apparition. On December 11th, Juan Diego’s uncle fell ill, and on December 12th he was cured, and the image of the Virgin Mary again appeared before Juan Diego but this time in front of the Archbishop. Her image appeared in his cloak, or the Tilma, which can still be seen at the Basilica. The old Basilica was consecrated in 1709 – the modern basilica was completed in 1976 and can hold 10,000 worshippers. Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Feast Day is December 12th and draws huge crowds for celebrations each year.

The Basilica of Guadalupe is celebrating 125 years of Pontifical Coronation of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Pilgrims can receive a Plenary Indulgence at the Basilica from September 8, 2019 through October 12, 2020. To receive the Plenary Indulgence Pilgrims must: intend to be granted the indulgence; receive the Sacrament of Penance; receive the Eucharist; pray for the intentions of the Pope; celebrate Mass in the Basilica of Guadalupe, and be free from attachment of Sin. Learn more about a Plenary Indulgence.

Accommodations: There are many 4 and 5-star accommodations in Mexico City

Location: Plaza de las Americas 1, Villa de Guadalupe, Villa Gustavo A. Madero, 07050 Ciudad de Mexico, CDMX, Mexico