mexico

Christian Mexico - Ancient and Modern - For group Leaders

Mexico2

Introduction

Christianity in Mexico is very much part of the social and cultural fabric but with an intensely exotic feel to it, drawing as it does so much from its ancient Aztec and Mayan religions. This eight-day tour will reveal the depth of belief and devotion in modern day Mexico, so evident in the shrine of Our Lady of Guadelupe, though just as impressive in the many other churches visited, which may be more modest in size but are just as full of ethnic character.

Exploring the fascinating ancient sites such as the Temple of Quitzalcoan and the pyramids provides an insight into rich symbolism, which now decorate the present Christian shrines and churches. In addition to the overwhelming archaeology and architecture which span many centuries, one cannot fail to be impressed by the stunning scenery of the mountainous and volcanic terrain.

Without doubt for western European Christians, Mexico is a true eye-opener and a wonderful illustration of how Christianity has been absorbed into the culture and distinctive character in a continent far removed from theirs but still sharing in common the same fundamental beliefs.

Our Lady of the Roses

On 9th December 1531 a Mexican peasant called Juan Diego was walking to Mass some distance away from his village on the outskirts of the old Aztec capital, Tlatelolco. The apparition he experienced on this day was to change not only his own life, but that of the whole of the Americas. As he reached the summit he saw a beautiful rainbow around a white cloud and heard lovely music. A tender woman’s voice arose calling him by name:

"…know and believe in your heart of hearts that I am Mary, holy and perpetual Virgin …I desire above all things that you build here a holy place, a refuge, so that I may show love and pity for your people. Believe me, I am your Mother and the Mother of all humankind. Those who love me and seek me I will comfort. Here in this place I will answer their prayers and heal their sorrows. You must go to the Bishop of Mexico and tell him these things."

When Juan Diego was received by Bishop Zumarraga, the Bishop had difficulty believing him. Down-hearted, Juan Diego returned to the site of the apparition hoping to be relieved of this awesome task. Instead, Our Lady pointed to a miraculous bloom of roses (in the middle of winter!), which Juan picked and took to the Bishop. When he brought them out of his cloak, however, a portrait of the Blessed Virgin unfurled itself and immediately the Bishop fell to his knees before the image.

A church was built to house the image, and celebrations inaugurated including a mock battle. During this battle, one of the actors was accidentally hit by an arrow and killed. They laid him before the image and he sat up, fully recovered. Because of this and many other instances of healings associated with the image it soon became known as the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Juan Diego took up residence by the shrine and welcomed thousands of pilgrims and he himself soon became known as ‘The Pilgrim’.

In 1548 both Juan Diego and Bishop Zumarraga died, and by this time some 10 million Native Americans had converted to Christianity, moved by Juan Diego’s story.

In 1709 a great basilica was built to house the image on the site of the apparition. Guadalupe today stands on the outskirts of Mexico City. The modern Basilica, completed in 1976, receives 12 million visitors every year, making it the most visited shrine to Our Lady in the western hemisphere. Pope John Paul II made three pilgrimages here and entrusted to the care of Our Lady of Guadalupe the cause of life and the unborn Juan Diego was Beatified in 1990 and Canonised as recently as 2002.

Basic Itinerary

DAY ONE - THURSDAY

U.K. – AMSTERDAM – MEXICO CITY

Morning flight from London, Manchester, other U.K airports, or Dublin via Amsterdam to Mexico City (flight costs extra). On arrival you will be met by local representatives who will escort you to your hotel, in the historical downtown area of one of the world’s largest cities. Welcome drinks on arrival at the hotel. The remainder of the day is free.

DAY TWO - FRIDAY

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Morning drive to the city’s suburbs and to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Mexico’s foremost and most revered shrine. The cathedral is built on the Tepeyac, a hill north of the city, which was the site of the temple of Tonantzin, the Aztec goddess of fertility. Religious tradition has it that in the winter of 1531 a vision of the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego, an indigenous farmer and recent convert to Christianity, who was canonised by Pope John Paul II in 2002. This appearance took place 10 years after the Spanish had defeated the Aztecs. The grand city of Tenochtitlan – today’s Mexico City – was in ruins. Juan Diego, born in 1474, witnessed the collapse of his civilisation. What is important in the story is that Mary appears not to the Spanish conquistadores, but to the Mexicans. And it is to Juan Diego, a poor farmer, that she requests a church be built on this hillside, sacred to the Aztecs. Mass will be celebrated here, after which there will be an introductory tour of the Basilica and the surrounding grounds, and an opportunity to ascend Tepeyac Hill. The New Basilica of Guadalupe replaced the Ancient Basilica (Basilica Antigua) that had housed the Image of the Virgin of Guadalupe for 267 years. Built on the lake, the Ancient Basilica sank increasingly and began leaning as a result of its massive weight and Mexico City's frequent tremors. The older Basilica is characterised by its Doric interior architecture and marble statues of Juan Diego and Fr. Juan de Zumarraga, the first bishop of Mexico City. Lunch is included in a local restaurant. After lunch there will be free time for exploration of the area on your own before the transfer back to the hotel in the early afternoon, with the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner is at choice.

DAY THREE - SATURDAY

LOS REMEDIOS – ANTHROPOLOGY MUSUEM

After breakfast, we make our way to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Los Remedios, with the tomb of the martyr Blessed Miguel Pro, and on to the Shrine of Christ the King. We celebrate Mass here before the visit to Blessed Juan Diego’s Baptismal Church and the Church of Our Lady’s apparition to his uncle, Juan Bernardino. We also admire the nearby, impressive 18th century aqueduct, a magnificent hydraulic construction, with its peculiar towers reminiscent of the legendary Tower of Babel. Return to Mexico City to visit the National Museum of anthropology, in Chapultepec Park, dominated by its castle, once the residence of ill-fated emperor Maximilian of Habsburg. Admire the museum’s large collections of pre-Hispanic art, including the Aztec Calendar and the sculpture of the gruesome goddess Coatlicue, the snake-skirted one. The striking construction is the work of architect Ramírez Vázquez, also the creator of the new Basilica of Guadalupe. Its entrance is guarded by the impressive, over 200- ton sculpture of the Aztec rain god Tlaloc. Afterwards return to the hotel for a free evening. Dinner is in our hotel tonight.

DAY FOUR - SUNDAY

TLAXCALA – OCTLAN – PUEBLA

After breakfast this morning, we drive across the mountains, in sight of the towering, snow-covered Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes, rising well over 17,000 feet above sea level, and soon reaching the neighbouring state of Tlaxcala and its similarly named capital city, where we visit the Blessed First Martyrs’ Shrine and the Church of San Francisco, continuing to San Miguel del Milagro for Mass. This is the site of miraculous apparitions of St Michael to Diego Lázaro in 1631, and of a well of curative waters. Just outside of this charming provincial town we visit the Shrine and Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ocotlán, where an apparition is said to have occurred to Juan Diego Bernardino in 1541. Tradition has it that the Virgin left her statue in a burnt tree, as a proof of her apparition. But apart centuries, one cannot fail to be impressed by the stunning scenery of the mountainous and volcanic terrain. Without doubt for western European Christians, Mexico is a true eye-opener and a wonderful illustration of how Christianity has been absorbed into the culture and distinctive character in a continent far removed from theirs but still sharing in common the same fundamental beliefs. Apart from its religious significance, the Sanctuary of Ocotlán also represents one of the high points of Mexican baroque art, its gleaming white stucco façade being a classical example of the Churrigueresque style. This is without doubt one of the country’s most spectacular churches, which makes this day one of the highlights of the tour. In the late afternoon we reach nearby Puebla, for a two-night stay. Dinner is in our hotel tonight.

DAY FIVE - MONDAY

PUEBLA

Puebla is a historic city, emblematic of Mexican resistance to foreign intervention. It was here that General Zaragoza’s sparingly armed troops defeated Napoleon III’s Imperial French Army: the battle took place at the hilltop forts of Loreto and Guadalupe, from where today we enjoy an unforgettable view of the snow-capped volcanoes. Descend into the historical centre of Puebla, which is now a World Heritage site. Visit the 17th century Cathedral, boasting the country’s highest bell towers, where we celebrate Mass, and onto the Chapel of the Rosary in Santo Domingo Church, a real gem of gilded plaster and carved stone with angels and cherubim popping out from behind every leaf. Many people think of this as the eighth wonder of the New World. Lunch is included today in a local restaurant in the centre of Puebla. Afterwards there will be time at leisure before returning to our hotel. Dinner is at choice.

DAY SIX - TUESDAY

CHOLULA

In the early afternoon, we proceed to Cholula, the town of 365 churches – one for every day of the year, so the saga goes – that is also the site of Mexico’s largest pyramid, still fully covered by weed and topped by a Catholic church. This was the Spaniards’ usual practice to symbolise the triumph of Christian faith over the pagan religions of the conquered native cultures. Mass will be celebrated in one of the churches. Afterwards, we have lunch at the Villas Arqueologicas Cholula. Then we continue to Tonantzintla, a tiny nearby village, famous beyond Mexico’s borders for its unique church, a real gem of Mexican baroque. It contains dark angels, plumed feathers, exotic fruit and ears of corn. Late afternoon return to Mexico City, with a free evening in prospect. Dinner is at choice tonight.

DAY SEVEN - WEDNESDAY

MEXICO CITY

Start this morning on a comprehensive tour of the ancient Aztec capital, including Zócalo Square, with the National Palace and Diego Rivera’s famous murals, depicting the artist’s particular view of Mexican history. On to the impressive Cathedral and the vestiges of the pre-Hispanic Templo Mayor, the main shrine of the old Aztec city of Tenochlan, conquered by the Spaniards. The Zócalo is today the political, economical and cultural heart of the country. Continue to Alameda Park, past the white marble Palace of Fine Arts, the fancy Postal Palace, reminiscent of a classical Venetian palazzo on the Canale Grande, and the unique House of Tiles, a significant city landmark. Our next stop is the Square of the Three Cultures, in Tlatelolco, which was a separate dynasty from Tenochlan, and the scene of the largest market in the Valley of Mexico. The Plaza owes its name to the fact that it is a melting-pot of pre-Hispanic, Spanish colonial and contemporary architecture. Return to the hotel, and enjoy a free afternoon. Dinner in our hotel.

DAY EIGHT - THURSDAY

MEXICO CITY - UK

Transfer to Mexico City International Airport in time to board our return flight to London or Manchester.

DAY NINE - FRIDAY

LONDON, OTHER UK AIRPORTS OR DUBLIN

Afternoon arrival at London Heathrow, Manchester and other UK airports or Dublin.
NINE DAYS

Terms of Payment:

Deposit of £150 (and insurance premium, if the cover we offer is required) per person when booking. Final payment due 2 months before departure.

THIS TRIP INCLUDES:

Return transfers between airports and hotels in Mexico. All touring and entrances as per the itinerary. Twin-bedded accommodation (sharing a twin room) with private bath or shower and W.C. in each room, in 4-star hotels in Mexico City and Puebla. Meal plan – American breakfast (or buffet where available) from day 2 to day 8. Lunches and dinners as listed in the itinerary (Lunch on days 2, 5, 6. Dinner on days 3, 4, 7). Local, English-speaking guides, in Mexico. Services of a Pax Travel Tour Manager. Daily Mass at different pilgrimage sites and churches. ATOL and AITO financial protection.

EXTRAS:

Economy class return air fares from London Heathrow or Manchester and other U.K and Ireland airports (Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Humberside, Jersey, Norwich, Newcastle, Teesside available on application) from £750 which will include U.K, Holland and Mexico departure taxes and in-flight meals. Single room supplement at £105 per person (Limited number of single rooms available). Meals as follows: Lunch on days 3, 4 and 7. Dinner on days 2, 5 and 6. Travel insurance at £50.00 per person. Drinks and laundry. Fuel surcharges if passed on by the airline. Transport within the U.K. Cost of vaccinations and medication.

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:

This tour will be led by a Roman Catholic Priest. However, members of all Christian denominations will be welcome.