Mexico Itinerary
Day-by-day Itinerary (español)
Day 1 - Arrival in Mexico City
We will depart as a group from Richmond International Airport (RIC). Upon arrival in Mexico City we will transfer to our first location - the Pilgrim Center which is withing walking distance from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This will be our home base while we are in the City of Mexico.
Day 2 - Mexico City and Centro Historico
We will finish our morning of retreat before making our way into the City of Mexico. When Spaniards arrived, they found a gorgeous city built on a huge body of water. There is a great deal to learn about the history of Mexico and we will begin to learn as we see and enjoy some of the main sites, including the Zocalo, the floating gardens of Xochimilco, the pyramids and whatever else we might stumble across.
Day 3 - Dia de Mission
We are working on a mission connection for this day so that we can get in touch with a ministry in Mexico. We hope to learn about the reality of ministry in Mexico. Current destination: youth organization in Tlanepantla.
Day 4 -Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
The Virgin Mary appeared four times to a simple man, Juan Diego, asking him to go to the Franciscan Bishop Zumarraga with a request - to build a great church. This encounter was the beginning of a massive change in the history of Mexico. As the church began to set a foundation through the sixteenth century, the miraculous image of Guadalupe was a beacon of God's love expressed through Mary herself. We are going to study this story in the presence of that image which is almost 500 years old. The area has Tepeyac hill where the apparition occurred, as well as the first church, and now the modern Basilica where Sacraments are constantly being celebrated.
Day 5 - Leave Mexico City to Cristo Rey
This day will be our transfer from Mexico city to the retreat center at Cristo Rey (Silao). As we enjoy our bus ride through central Mexico, we will stop in Queretaro learn about this historic city and have lunch. After Queretaro we will continue on to Irapuato to see this beautiful city and enjoy the best tacos in town.
Day 6- Retreat and Mission at Cristo Rey
Meeting Guadalupe is an invitation to continue climbing on the spiritual journey to meet her son. We will begin our time at the retreat center of Cristo Rey with a retreat to focus on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls us to follow him but the only way up is with the power of the Holy Spirit. After an uplifting retreat, we will work on part two of our mission. Our plan is to organize a parish event so that we can share a time of praise, reflection, and adoration with Catholics in Leon.
Day 7- Guanajuato capital
We have a full day to enjoy the gorgeous city and culture of Guanajuato. Our visits will include "el Pípila" monument by cable car, Theater (Teatro Juarez),and the Iconographic Museum (Museo iconográfico). Around Midday we will go to Holy Mass at the Basilica and then visit the University and other local churches. We will be sure to have lunch at a local restaurant, walk the plaza, visit the local markets, and see the historical places where the Mexican independence events took place. We will return to Cristo Rey in the evening for a final wrapup of our trip.
Aereal view of the city of Guanajuato
Street view in downtown Guanajuato
Juarez Theater
Pipila Monument
Day 8 -Travel to Leon International Airport (BJX) and arrival to the US
After going from the hill of Guadalupe to the mountain of Cristo Rey, adventuring through towns of Mexico and meeting fellow Catholics along the way, we must return home. But not without an increase of peace, joy, and passion to serve the Lord at home and in the parish!
