Mexico: Experience the History of the Catholic Church

Day 1 | USA – Mexico City
Depart the USA for Mexico City. Meals are served aboard your flight. Upon arrival we meet our Escort and transfer to your hotel in Mexico City (D)

Day 2 | Guadalupe – Teotihuacán – Santiago de Tlatelolco – Mexico City
This morning through the Plaza of Three Cultures we visit one of the most historical churches in Mexico– Santiago de Tlatelolco. Continue to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe where we will celebrate Holy Mass in the main Basilica before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Afterward, we go to the original church where we learn the history of Juan Diego and the Tilma, with its miraculous image of Our Lady. In the afternoon we head to San Juan Teotihuacán to see the famous archaeological site of the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Dinner and over night in Mexico City. (B, D)

Day 3 | Tlaxcala – Puebla
Today we have a fascinating day of history through the early church in Mexico, showing its Spanish roots and Indian culture. In Tlaxcala visit the place where St. Michael the Archangel appeared to Diego Lazaro in 1631. After lunch head to Puebla where we visit the Franciscan church of Puebla where the incorrupt body of Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio is preserved. After arriving from Spain, he became very wealthy in agricultural business and road building. He taught the local natives to cultivate the land and how to build agricultural tools. Late in life, Sebastian gave all of his wealth to the convent of Poor Clares, and joined the Order of St. Francis. Though already in his 70’s, he did not exempt himself from hard work and begging to support the Friars. We return to Mexico City for dinner and over night. (B, D)

Day 4 | Mexico City – Guadalupe – Zócalo, Metropolitan Cathedral – Holy Family Church (Bl. Miguel Pro) – Guadalupe
After breakfast, we will make our way to the famous main plaza of Mexico City, the Zócalo formally named the Plaza de la Constitución. We will visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and see the tomb of Bishop Zumarraga, the first Bishop of Mexico, known as the Protector of Indians. As we continue our journey learning about the history of Indians, and Mexican Christians we will arrive at the Holy Family Church in Mexico City. Pray at the tomb of Blessed Fr. Miguel Pro, the Jesuit martyr who having joined the Jesuits at a young age left Mexico in 1914 due to the tremendous anti–Catholic sentiment that reigned against the people by the government. He studied in Los Gatos, California until 1915 when he was sent to seminary in Spain. In 1925 he was ordained a Priest in Belgium and returned to Mexico. During this time of persecution, churches were closed and Catholics could only practice in hiding. Padre Pro clandestinely heard confessions, celebrated Holy Mass, and anointed the sick. In 1927 Bl. Pro was wrongly accused of an assassination attempt on the Mexican President. Moments before his execution, Blessed Fr. Miguel Pro forgave his executioners, and with his arms spread in the form of a cross he cried out ‘Viva Cristo Rey!’ This afternoon again visit Our Lady of Guadalupe with time for prayer and reflection. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner together before returning to the hotel for overnight. (B, D)
Option: Return to USA or Fly to Cancún for a few days of relaxation

Day 5 | Mexico City – Cancún
After breakfast we transfer to the airport in Mexico City for our flight to Cancún. After a short 2 hour flight arrive in the beach resort city of Cancún wher e we are transferred to our all–inclusive beach get– away resort. Enjoy the beach for the next few days! (B, D)

Day 6 and 7 | Cancún All–Inclusive Resort (Wyndham Maya, Royal Sands, or similar)
Enjoy a few days relaxing on the beach, sipping on unlimited drinks, and delighting yourself with various dining options available all day long. (B, D)

Day 8 | Cancún departure for USA
After breakfast we transfer to the airport in Cancún for our flight home. (B)

OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Enjoy an additional 3 nights at your all– inclusive resort!