Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage Tour

I absolutely loved it! Thank you for the pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe!

The pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe was an incredible experience. It was a blend of spiritual growth and cultural awareness. The Spanish saw the indigenous people as a group to evangelize, not exterminate like the Protestant colonizers in the north. Inter-marriage flourished along with evangelization so that now most people in Latin America are a mixture of indigenous and Spanish people. They are equally proud of of both heritages which shows in the way they worship.

Thank you for a wonderful pilgrimage to Mexico and Our Lady of Guadalupe.

I want to express my gratitude for inviting me to go on this pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe as a Spiritual Director.

It was a privilege and an honor to be with such a devoted and pious group of people. The pilgrimage was quite enjoyable because the pilgrims wanted to be nourished by God. It was easy for me to lead rosaries, stations of the cross, the chaplet of the Divine Mercy, songs and all kinds of prayers because the pilgrims participated very enthusiastically. I had great lectors assisting me every time we celebrated the Eucharist. I can tell this group of pilgrims paid close attention to my reflections. I was able to mingle with them pretty well. I guess I made new friends.

Some of the pilgrims said they wanted to come with me to the Mexico pilgrimage scheduled for next year. I think we could have more people if this pilgrimage were also in English.
In my opinion this pilgrimage was excellent and one of the highest points was missing our connection in Washington together with these six ladies from South Dakota. We were able to share and get acquainted. I guess it was a blessing in disguise.
After this wonderful pilgrimage, I pray that you take me into consideration to keep doing this ministry with you.
Blessings,

Fr. Jairo Enrique Congote

We are appreciative as a group to Catholic Journey’s for giving us a most enjoyable pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico.

The hotel accommodations were very nice and comfortable, and it was nice to stay at one place for the duration of this journey. Although we visited many places a short distance from the hotel, there were many points of interest to explore right around our lodging.

The meals were excellent. When I think of Mexican food, I think of hot and spicey – not necessarily so! As a group, we thoroughly savored the meals, valued the fellowship, and delighted in the different restaurants. The food was excellent, and the variety of dishes was a neat learning experience to me.

It was nice to marvel at the ancient ruins, but the living Churches we visited were the best. The major Churches we visited, including the many at the apparition sites, were at times simply breath taking! We were all at times simply struck by the beauty. As for me, a Priest to offer Mass in these holy places was moving. I give thanks that I was able to offer the Holy Sacrifice at the spot of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe, including on Pro Life Sunday.

My Mom and Dad were both born on Our Lady’s Feast, and so to carry them in my heart to the altar was another beautiful experience.

I appreciated having some quiet time, here and there. I enjoyed having a few hours on the last full day to spend in the sanctuary of Our Lady at Guadalupe. Adoration and Confession were available at on that holy ground throughout the day. What a gift to be able to also pass under Our Lady’s eyes as we moved beneath the miraculous image.

And, yes, I even enjoyed the gift shops which had many quality items.

Our tour guide, Raul, was informative and an excellent companion to the group. I kind of miss him!

There were so many blessings along the way. I, again, was struck by the beauty of the Basilica’s we visited. I enjoyed the people of Mexico and their industriousness. The countryside was also magnificent.

I would look forward to another visit to Mexico, even to the same locations as they have so much to offer and explore!

Our group really enjoyed ourselves, even as we sought the Good Lord each day. Muchos Gracias Padre Paul and the Catholic Journeys team!

Fr Bill Kuchinsky
Spiritual Director

Thank you very much for your meticulous organization of this Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was a great experience and beautiful time of building Faith and communion in the Church.
Being in the presence of that miraculous image of Mary was a dream come true and the opportunity to celebrate Masses in various chapels in the shrine and other churches, especially at the tomb of Blessed Sebastian de Appracio was really a blessing. May God continue to strengthen us to persevere in our vocation to be missionary disciples through our work. Looking forward to more pilgrimages with you.
Peace!
Thank you!