On our last day in Mexico City, we headed outside of the city to the incredible archaeological site of Teotihuacan.
Along the way, we stopped at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, located about 32 miles northeast of Mexico City. The complex, buildings, and history are incredible.
Pilgrimages to the Basilica
The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, or Basilica de Santa María de Guadalupe, is the most visited site in the world dedicated to Mary.
“Every year some twenty million pilgrims visit the sanctuary, of which about nine million do so in the days around December 12, the day on which Saint Mary of Guadalupe is celebrated.” – Wikipedia
Later in our trip, on the way to Puebla, we passed hundreds of locals making a pilgrimage to the Basilica. Many rode in decorated trucks with altars and musicians, and others ran and rode bicycles in a relay along the roadways.
A Birthday Blessing
Arriving at the basilica grounds, we saw a station set up with a priest offering blessings.
Arriving on his birthday, Mark got a blessing with the assistance of two of our fellow travelers {thank you, Alma and Abel}.
The Story of Juan Diego
In December of 1831, the Virgin of Guadalupe, a Spanish title for Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared four times to a peasant named Juan Diego.
“According to the accounts, the woman, speaking to Juan Diego in Nahuatl, his first language and the language of the former Aztec Empire, identified herself as the Mary, “mother of the very true deity.” She was said to have asked for a church to be erected at that site in her honor.” – Wikipedia.
Reporting his vision to the archbishop, Juan Diego was dismissed. After being dismissed several more times, Juan Diego spent time with his dying uncle and then hurried to the hill where he had seen the apparition. Seeing her for a fourth time and telling her of his dying uncle, she replied with a now famous quote which is over the door of the Basilica.
“¿No estoy yo aquí que soy tu madre?” (“Am I not here, I who am your mother?”).
She assured him that his uncle had been healed and told him to gather flowers from the top of the hill, usually barren in December. He was to carry the flowers in his cloak to the archbishop. Upon unrolling the cloak, the flower petals falling to the floor revealed the image of the Virgin.
History of the Basilica
The “Old Basilica of Guadalupe” was constructed in 1709. The addition of the Capuchin Convent in the early 19th century damaged part of the building. However, repairs started in 1804 but were not finished until 1822 due to the War of Independence in Mexico. At that time, the original church was elevated to the title of Basilica.
The site includes numerous chapels, the convent, and other buildings, including a museum.
The new modern Basilica allows greater access for pilgrims. Construction began on the circular building in 1974 and was completed in 1976. The shape represents the tent where the Ark of the Covenant was found.
The shape of the building allows for the interior to be self-supporting, allowing an unobstructed view of the altar and the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Visiting the Basilica
The grounds, gardens, and statues there are incredible. One could easily spend an entire day there admiring its beauty.
As non-Catholics, the reverence of pilgrims is astounding. On many days, you will likely see worshipers crawling on their knees into the cathedral. Some would crawl to the top of the hill where the original blessing appeared.
You will hear drum corps and see worshipers carrying banners, pilgrims carrying flowers and candles, and families who come for the day to enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds.
Shops nearby and vendors on the street sell fresh flowers, candles, and memorabilia. We purchased a candle and this Rosary as a piece of regional artwork.
If you are in the region, visiting the Basilica is a must. The complex is located at:
Fray Juan de Zumárraga No. 2, Villa Gustavo A. Madero, Gustavo A. Madero, 07050 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
