Shrines
VISIT OUR LADY OF LORETO – Baja California Peninsula
The town of Loreto is a magnet for its “perfect” climate (average temperature is in the 80’s) and vacation activities, along with its beaches. It is also known for its famous church: the mission Church of Our Lady of Loreto, the first mission church of the Californias. Continue reading
OUR LADY OF ARANZAZU – Guadalajara, Jalisco
It’s easy to overlook the chapel of Our Lady of Aranzazu. You could walk right by it and not even give it a second glance. The facade is austere, stark, and utterly unassuming. But step inside and you enter a different world: a masterpiece of golden Churrigueresque architecture with an “astonishingly ornate” interior. “Divine” say some. “Stunning,” say others. Continue reading
OUR LADY OF CUPILCO – Cupilco, Tabasco
Tourist books rave about the church of the Assumption of Our Lady of Cupilco. They call it “the most beautiful church in the state of Tabasco.” Words such as “stunning,” “exuberantly painted” and “a gem of Mexican folk-art” complete the picture. How could I resist such a place?
And they were right. It was glorious. Continue reading
OUR LADY OF IZAMAL Izamal, Yucatan
The Yucatan. To sun-starved northerners the very name conjures up images of Caribbean beaches, a turquoise sea and ancient Mayan ruins. Lots of them. The Yucatan Peninsula is reputed to have one of the richest stores of archeological treasures in the world. It is populated by the Maya, the most populous indigenous group in North America. Multitudes of Canadians and Americans visit every year. Continue reading
Pope Benedict’s historic trip to Mexico
This month the MADONNAS OF MEXICO website features a preview of
Pope Benedict’s historic trip to Mexico.
MEXICO’S MUST-SEE MARVELS
The Church of La Candeleria, Tlacotalpan, Veracruz
FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION: February 2
Riverboat Procession: OUR LADY OF THE CANDLES
THE CHURCH OF LA CANDELERIA
Tlacotalpan, Veracruz Continue reading
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe – MEXICO CITY
The year was 1531. And times were desperate indeed for the small group of Spaniards in New Spain (present-day Mexico). They were outnumbered 600 to one by the Aztecs and a massacre seemed imminent. Tensions were at a fever pitch because of the tyrannical behaviour of a few of the Spanish secular leaders. Franciscan Juan de Zumárraga, the first bishop of Mexico City, realized that only a miracle could save the perilous situation. Continue reading
Our Lady of Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon
The city of Monterrey was founded in 1596 by Spanish official Diego de Montemayor and he named it in honour of Our Lady: La Ciudad de Nuestra Senora de Monterrey , Our Lady of Monterrey City. Continue reading
Our Lady of the Rosary, Puebla, Puebla
CHAPEL OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
Church of Santo Domingo, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
In the Catholic world the month of October is dedicated to the Rosary. The feastday of the Rosary (October 7 th ) was instituted by Pope St. Pius V in 1571 to commemorate the victory of the Christian forces in the battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571. The Pope attributed this totally unexpected victory to the power of the Rosary. In a recent address at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, Pope Benedict XVl said that the Rosary “is not a pious practice banished to the past;” it is, instead, “experiencing a new Springtime.” Continue reading
Our Most Holy Mother of Light, Leon, Guanajuato
Shoes. Shoes. And more shoes. That’s what youll find in León… in exuberant abundance. León, the fifth largest city in Mexico, is known as the shoe capital of the country. Not only do they have shoes, they have shoe malls. Devoted to selling nothing but shoes! Continue reading