Food and Faith of Mexico and Our Lady of Guadalupe with Fr. Leo Patalinghug - 26RS01MXLP

We gather at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport for a group flight to Mexico City. Quotes for add-on airfare from most major cities are available upon request. Upon arrival, we are greeted by our tour escort and transferred to our hotel. Enjoy a welcome drink during our group orientation, followed by dinner. Overnight in Mexico City. (Welcome drink and dinner)

This morning, we enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the Church of Santiago Tlatelolco, where St. Juan Diego was baptized. Next, continue to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Upon arrival at the Shrine, we visit the beautiful basilica, have time to kneel in front of the Tilma, where Our Lady’s image was miraculously imprinted, and visit the El Pocito (Chapel of the Little Well) the site of the original apparition. We celebrate Mass and have time to explore the gardens on our own. In the afternoon, we depart for San Juan Teotihuacan, where we have lunch and a guacamole-making class, followed by a guided tour of the archaeological site of the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Enjoy shopping and a tequila tasting. Before we return to our hotel, we stop to see the Church of the Fifth Apparition. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Mexico City. (B.L.D)

After a buffet breakfast, we depart for Puebla - City of the Angels and Churches - the fourth largest city in México and a great example of Spanish colonial architecture. The Puebla region is famous for its beautiful churches, its cuisine, and its hand-painted Talavera tiles. We visit the unforgettable Chapel of the Rosary to celebrate Mass (TBC). Then enjoy visits to the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, the Santa Monica religious museum, and the Church of St. Francis to see the incorrupt body of St. Sebastian. The cuisine of Puebla is one of Mexico’s richest culinary traditions. The famed Mexican mole sauce is one of the most important dishes of the region, and it has acquired international fame. The delicious Mole Poblano and Chile en Nogada originated here in Puebla, as tradition tells us, when a nun at the Santa Rosa Convent in Puebla invented the recipe of the mole in the 17th century when she heard of the impending visit of a dignitary. Today for lunch, we try a local Poblano dish. Other characteristic dishes are the chalupas, pipián sauce (made with chiles and pumpkin seeds), and maguey worms (don’t worry, you don’t have to try them if you don’t want to!). Also of note are the homemade desserts such as the delicious Santa Clara cakes, made with marzipan and goat’s milk, and camotes. Following lunch, we have time for shopping in the local market. Return to Mexico City for dinner and overnight (B.L.D)

Our day starts with breakfast at the hotel. We visit the Church of La Sagrada Familia (the Holy Family) for Mass and see the tomb of Fr. Miguel Agustin Pro, the Jesuit Martyr. We explore the small museum dedicated to Blessed Miguel Pro. Next, continue to the downtown area to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest in Mexico, and to see the murals at Bellas Artes Palace. Then continue to the Church of San José del Altillo to see the crypt where Blessed Conchita Cabrera is buried. Blessed Conchita was beatified at the Guadalupe Basilica, and she is the first Mexican laywoman to receive beatification. We are met by a local priest who gives us a short presentation about Blessed Conchita’s life. Dinner is at leisure tonight. Overnight in Mexico City. (B)

In the morning, we explore an authentic Mexican market and then have some fun learning how to make different types of salsa during a hands-on cooking experience led by expert local chefs. In the afternoon, we return to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe for a holy hour and to watch the sunset. Mass will be celebrated. Tonight’s farewell dinner is at Villa Maria Restaurant, accompanied by a festive time with a Mariachi band. (B. Special dinner)

Following breakfast, we check out of the hotel, celebrate Mass, and are transferred to the airport for our flights home via Dallas.